Rooster steps forward as fav disappoints

In the words of rider Robbie Power Rooster Byron (33/1) "landed a bit on his head" at the last, but the Goffs Land Rover Bumper 'also ran' found more to fend off Never Again by three parts of a length in the www.thurlesraces.ie Maiden Hurdle.

Paul Nolan 's charge is in the Joncol ownership of Mrs Kay Browne, and his opportunity became all the clearer here when odds-on favourite Indien Rouge (ended up in ninth) faded tamely approaching the straight.

"That was a surprise, a happy surprise, as we weren't expecting that!" revealed Nolan.

"He was a bit green but jumped very well and jumped a few like a fence. We wanted to be positive and he doesn't seem to be as slow as he seems at home.

"He's a big backward type and ten years ago horses like him would be only coming into training at five. Maybe that's why he wasn't giving us that feel at home and we won't be in any rush with him now.

"He'll go chasing next season."

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Indien Rouge (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

(TW & EM)