Kiki Badger and Jonathan Moore won first in Limerick © Photo Healy Racing
Kiki Badger belied a lack of previous jumping experience to run out a snug winner of the opening www.angloprinters.ie Maiden Hurdle at Limerick.
The Anthony McCann-trained gelding travelled well throughout under Jonathan Moore, before being delivered with a well-timed challenge on the approach to the second last flight.
Heading leader Moon Rise Beauty on the run to the last, Kiki Badger had to fight for a couple of strides, before asserting close home and going on to win with a bit to spare.
The six-year-old Ask gelding had looked smart when easily landing his bumper at Tipperary last time but faced a stiff task on his hurdling debut taking on more experienced rivals.
Anthony McCann said; "we were afraid of Charles Byrnes' horse (Viceregent) and Willie's (Mullins, Moon Rise Beauty) experience-wise but he was cosy enough the whole way. Mags Mullins had done a very good job schooling him before we bought him.
"We always thought he was a good horse, he showed at Tipperary and again today.
"Oliver Brady, Lord have mercy on him, told me 'a good horse goes on any ground' and he is versatile. We'll get him home now and make plans later on."
He added "a big thanks to Paddy (McBride) and Thomas (Cochrane) for supporting me and when I went about buying the horse, there was no problem. I'm flying out to the Newmarket sales in the morning so hopefully can get more orders.
"Jonathan(Moore) was off for long enough so hopefully can kick on now. We have a couple of nice horses coming out in the next week or so."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
