Churchill beats Trenches in Wexford opener

In The Trenches again had to settle for minor honours, as he went down by a length to Struck By Churchill in the opener at Wexford, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

Beaten just three-quarters of a length into second on her hurdles debut at Ballinrobe in May, the Andy Slattery-trained victor ran twice on the level since.

A disappointing seventh when returning to flights over the course and distance earlier this month, the Brendan O’Sullivan-owned bay was sent off an 8/1 chance this afternoon.

Settled in mid-division by Cian Quirke and not fluent at the fourth, she took closer order on the approach to four out.

Travelling strongly in second entering the straight, she was ridden before the last and edged to the front on the run-in, staying on best to score by a length.

After attempting to make all, In The Trenches (evens favourite) was second, while Banana Tree (20/1) was another four lengths away in third.

"They think she was in season the last day. Her jumping probably let her down after she got a bit of a fright," Quirke revealed.

"Even I was lucky today, I fired her at the second last on the first circuit and she put down. In fairness William and Andy had told me to leave her do the jumping herself.

"She is still green and is going to improve plenty. I won snug enough at the line.

"She was just having a good look. I knew when I got up alongside Conor (Stone-Walsh on the runner-up), she pricked her ears and I said I better keep her good and honest going down to the last, just to make sure when she was so green. I think she is going to be a nice mare going forward.

"I saw Conor pushing and pushing away at the back of the third last. I knew I had a horse to aim at once we turned in. It was just a matter of having something beside me going to the last to keep her occupied.

"Brendan O'Sullivan is a huge supporter of the yard, he comes racing with us nearly every day. It's class to ride a winner for the likes of him, he is so sound. He has always been very good to the yard and has always supported them.

"I'm just very lucky to be riding Andy's horses. I'm only back a couple of weeks and he is after giving me three winners already. A big thanks to all the team at home too."