Fromthecloudsabove is a few lengths behind Ciarans Oscar over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Dungarvan trainer Richard Morrissey opened his account under rules when Fromthecloudsabove literally lived up to her name by swooping very late to take the three-mile maiden hurdle.
A contender for ride of the week by Rob Jones, he was hard at work from some way out but the perseverance paid off as the 16/1 chance got up in the final stride. Ciarans Oscar also 16/1, looked all over the winner when taking over from the front-running Thomond entering the straight.
However under a never say die ride from Jones, Fromthecloudsabove stayed on really well on the run-in to snatch the verdict on the line.
Thomond, the 15/8 favourite, jumped well in front but folded tamely enough after two out to finish another 11 lengths away in third.
There was a pile-up four out where Cool Klan fell when up with the pace, and brought down both Mr Groocock and Pollywollydoodle
Barry Geraghty and Paul Townend were bruised and shaken up after their falls, and both were stood down for the rest of the evening.
Morrissey said, “I only have my restricted licence a few months, and I’ve had four point-to-point winners. She won a point-to-point (at Glenbane) in October and has always wanted good ground. Today was the first day she got it, and I was expecting her to be in the first three. It’s even better that she’s won.
“I bought her as a foal and have had her since then. We’ll keep her going now and see what the handicapper does. I’m close to Clonea beach near Dungarvan, and do most of the training on the beach.”
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
