Lambe toasts Bourbon Ellie

Bourbon Ellie sprang a 20/1 surprise in the 23-runner three mile maiden hurdle at Cork for trainer David Martin Kelly and seven pound claiming amateur Darragh Lambe.

Lambe is attached to Kelly’s yard and it was the 20-year-old from Mullingar’s first racecourse ride since February 2010. It was also his first track winner though he has registered a success in the point-to-point sphere.

Coming to the last it looked like the race was at the mercy of Pharney Lady and Barry O’Neill, but a poor jump saw the pair lose all momentum and they subsequently faded to finish fifth.

Bourbon Ellie had been creeping into contention on the outside of the field and was just behind Pharney Lady coming to the last. She kept on well after jumping it to beat Wontbelongnow (10/1) by two lengths with Watt A Diva at 20/1 grabbing third.

Darragh Lambe said: “It’s hard to believe this mare has won two point-to-points [in 2010] as she’s very small.”

Bourbon Ellie didn’t go unbacked as she had been 33/1 in the morning. She had run sixth at Kilbeggan on her hurdling debut in a three mile novice hurdle on 25 June. Champagne Agent was well-backed at the track from 5/2 down to 13/8 favouritism, but this Mullins/Walsh gelding could only finish ninth.

Michael Graham (on course reporting by Alan Magee)