Cooper guides Rockofinspiration home

Market support for Rockofinspiration proved significant as the Dessie Hughes-trained gelding overturned 9/10 favourite God’s County in the opening maiden hurdle at Kilbeggan.

Late money saw the six-year-old’s price contract from 11/4 to 2/1 on the off and the bets were landed as Bryan Cooper had his challengers off the bridle from three out.

The duo came home a snug half a length clear of All There who ran eyecatchingly well on his first appearance for 757 days to close on the winner at 50/1.

Gods County is proving to be expensive for punters as after three second-placed runs the Verglas gelding could only manage third a further length and three parts back when sent off odds on.

Davy Russell was hard at work three out on the Ted Walsh-trained six-year-old but never got on terms with the winner.

Successful trainer Dessie Hughes said: “He’s been knocking on the door for a while.

“He ran poorly here the last day but was just not himself at the start.

“He was much livelier today. Hopefully he’ll go for a winners of one next.”

Michael Graham