Malt Gem has plenty of sparkle

Malt Gem served up a 20/1 shock to odds on favourite Wedding Present in the three mile maiden hurdle at Cork.

Wedding Present travelled nicely throughout in the front rank and went to win his race when he hit the front after three out.

However, coming to the last Pat Collins was starting to get a tune out of Malt Gem in second and the pair stayed on resolutely after that flight while the 4/6 favourite found little.

Successful trainer Mary Louise Hallahan said: “That was great. He’s a lovely horse. He’s developing all the time.

“Pat gave him a lovely ride. He’ll be a lovely horse over fences next season.

“He may get his summer break now. I’m delighted for the owner James Hennessy who has been with me since day one.”

There was three parts of a length in it at the finish. Tukawhile came in third, ten lengths further back, for trainer Sean Aherne at 20/1.

Malt Gem’s previous best form had come three runs back when second at Limerick in a two miles six maiden hurdle on St Stephen’s Day.

This was Hallahan's first winner for 387 days/35 runners.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes