Knockraha springs shock in Thurles opener

Knockraha Pylon rallied gamely to spring a 66/1 shock in the opening maiden hurdle at Thurles this afternoon.

Johnny Burke had the mare to the fore throughout in the two-mile contest but she looked set to finished runner-up after Baily Cloud jumped into the lead at the second last.

Adrian Maguire's charge stayed on to pass that rival again going to the last, however, and galloped on strongly in the closing stages to record a two-and-three-quarter-length victory.

Zafayan kept on to take the runner-up spot ahead of 11/8 favourite Baily Cloud.

The winner had finished second in a point-to-point last April but had failed to make much impression on two previous starts over hurdles this season.

"As the old saying goes, she didn't know she was 66/1" said Maguire. "I wasn't a surprise, far from it. She was awarded second place in her point-to-point at Inch last year but took time to come to herself.

"She's a good honest tough mare who loved the ground but got detached at Tramore the last day. Being a mare she is clever and fell asleep.

"I revved up the jockey today and it worked out although the last day was the makings of her. I'd the same jockey back and he gave her a super ride."

Burke told Attheraces: "She was very tough. I didn't really have to get serious with her. Everytime I got after her she gave me a bit and kept finding.

"Adrian said to me going out that she was second in a point-to-point and stays well so make it a test of stamina and to be fair to her she kept answering for me."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)