Knockcroghery best for money and justifies confidence

Knockcroghery (at least 3/1 in the morning into 15/8) was the one for money in the opening www.tote.com 3-y-o Maiden Hurdle at Tramore and the market was proved correct as John Nicholson's chestnut prevailed by a length in the hands of Johnny Cullen.

The 15/8 shot led before two out and despite pulling up a bit on the run-in she found more when required to see off the pace-setting Todd's Forge by a length. Marginal market-leader, Days Ahead was in trouble from a fair way out and eventually had to settle for a moderate third, thirteen lengths adrift of the principals.

Nicholson, who owns and bred Knockcroghery as well, said: "We always thought there was a bit of class about this one. The last day was the plan but Davy Russell (2nd to Wikjikura at Roscommon) upset that and there was no 25/1 about our one today.

"She could go back to the flat at Killarney next Tuesday now.

"That'll put the people of Knockcroghery back on top. I used to pull up there years ago for a pint on the way to Sligo when you could take a drink and drive. I read up about the place and there is a great history to there.

"This filly has a good old pedigree. She is by Pelder who stands with Michael Bowe beside me at Greentree Stud."