Cruisin Susan pips favourite in a Tramore thriller

Jumping is the name of the game and it stood to Cruisin Susan at the end of an extended 2m5f in the Comeragh Veterinary Kilmacthomas Maiden Hurdle at Tramore.

She made up good ground to sweep to the front before the second-last flight, but looked to be a sitting duck to strong-travelling favourite Walk On The Moone who closed on the outer.

Cruisin Susan jumped that obstacle well, though, and much better than Walk On The Moone who came off the bridle.

She tried to challenge the leader again at the last but Cruisin Susan was notably slick at it and better than Walk On The Moone.

Danny Mullins got after Walk On The Moone on the run-in and she kept on well to force the photograph, however, it was Cruisin Susan and John Berry held on by a short head at 11/2 from 15/2.

Runner-up Walk On The Moone went off the 4/5 favourite and was eight lengths clear of The Banger Doyle (10/3).

Trainer John Berry said: "She ran here the other day and was fourth. She is what she is and I'd say fitness was the biggest part of her win today.

"That's a second winner on the track for John (son and jockey). He has a degree in Business from Trinity, but he decided to stay with horses rather than going getting a proper job! John is at home with me and Ross (son who finished 10th on the trainer's Darling Valentine is with Henry de Bromhead.

"It's nice to get a winner. We were just hoping that she might be placed today. We might run her again and see how she goes."

The winner scored in the colours of the trainer's wife Anna Berry.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy