Glen causes 33/1 shock in maiden

Glen Beg gave Liz Doyle, trainer of Weatherbys Champion Bumper contender Le Vent D’Antan, a nice pre-Cheltenham boost when taking the Lisronagh Maiden Hurdle in convincing fashion at Clonmel.

The 33/1 chance swept to the front approaching the straight and, despite continually jumping to her left, soon asserted under Brian O’Connell.

The six-year-old mare drew right away to beat Black Zero (18/1) by eight and a half lengths, with Auld Stock (16/1) completing the placings another four and three quarter lengths away in third. Spot Fine proved a bitter disappointment as the 11/10 favourite was driven along after three out and eventually finished eleventh. The going on the hurdle course was changed to heavy after this race.

Liz Doyle’s partner Barry Murphy said, “The cheek-pieces helped her to concentrate She has a very good pedigree being a half-sister to Freds Benefit and Sher Beau and it’s nice to get a winner going to Cheltenham.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes