Secret gifts opener to Friends

There was drama at the final fence in the opener at Thurles with Just Friends gifted the beginners chase by the fall of Big Secret

Davy Russell looked to be cruising home on Big Secret after he had taken up the running at the fifth last from Just Friends.

The Gigginstown runner stretched clear before the straight and was just steadied into the last when getting it all wrong and crashing out.

The Robbie Colgan-ridden Just Friends, a well-supported 9/4f (from 7/2), also made a mistake at the last and then was lucky to sidestep his stricken rival.

Denis Cullen 's charge eventually went on to record a five-length victory over 33/1 shot Rookery Rebel

"We got a little bit of luck but you need that in this game," said Cullen.

"It was unfortunate to see Charles' (Byrnes) horse fall but racing is racing once the horse is alright.

"Robbie said he wasn't really able to use himself on that ground. We'll keep it low key with him for the minute."

Gary Carson