Purcell's Fest Deiz off the mark over hurdles

The RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle went to the 15/8 favourite Fest Deiz who led after the third last and kept on well to beat Gandy Man (22/1) by two and a half lengths. Family Business (7/2) filled the third spot another three lengths away.

The Donagh Meyler-partnered winner, a bumper winner at Kilbeggan last year and placed on his three previous completed starts over hurdles, was putting behind him a fall here at Cork, when in contention, back in August.

Winning trainer Kieran Purcell said: "He deserved it and is a grand little horse and is genuine. He'll give you the same every day he goes out and he needs good ground.

"It was beautiful ground and we'll see how the handicapper rates him now."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes