Bukhill a first for Fitzgerald

Bukhill provided Eamonn Fitzgerald with his first success, as he guided the Peter Fahey-trained gelding to victory in the CT Electrical Maiden Hurdle.

Previously trained by Willie Mullins and owned by his brother-in-law Peter McCarthy, the five-year-old finished an encouraging fourth on his debut for Fahey at Punchestown last month.

Expected to go a few places better this afternoon, the son of Hillstar was sent off the 2/1 favourite and was settled in mid-division by Fitzgerald.

Taking closer order from four out, the bay victor came with his challenge after the second last and hit the front just after the final flight, keeping on well from there to score by a length-and-three-parts.

Returned an easy-to-back 15/2 chance, The Mass Path (3s early) kept on well to take second under JJ Slevin, while David Christie's Neverminddestranger (10/1 from 16s) was another three-and-a-half lengths back in third.

Fahey, who was recording his fourth winner of the week, said: "I'm delighted for Eamonn. He joined me from Michael Halford's about six months ago and he's an unbelievable worker, nothing is too much trouble for him.

"For a tall lad he's a tidy little rider and fair play to the owner, Peter McCarthy, for leaving him on the horse in an open race.

"He's a grand horse who'll tip away over hurdles and will make nice handicapper down the line. He actually has plenty of pace and could end up going back on the Flat as well."

An elated Fitzgerald, who is from Clane, Co Kildare, added: "I got a great run through the race and he jumped his way into it. To get the first winner is an unbelievable feeling.

"I have to thank Peter, Ber and the McCarthy's for keeping me on him. He is a smashing horse the way he quickened away. He is a lovely horse going forward."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Split The Pound trained by John Patrick Ryan had blood at both nostrils post race.

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan