The opening race of the two day Galway October meeting, the Corrib Oil Sean Cleary Memorial Maiden Hurdle, went to the Jim Culloty trained Spring Heeled under Tom Doyle.
The 4yo son of Old Vic was making his racecourse debut today having finished second on his only start between the flags at Dromahane in April. Jenari who finished third in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at the Punchestown Festival in May, was sent off the 4/6 favourite on his hurdling debut but he couldn't catch the winner on the run-in going down by a length at the line.
The 14/1 winner was always prominent and took up the running after the second last before keeping on well to fend off the challenge of the favourite.
The pair went six lengths clear of the third horse who was the 6/1 shot Silver Shuffle for Jimmy Coogan and Barry Cash.
Winning trainer Jim Culloty, who has his string in top form, said afterwards: "I was very concerned about the ground beforehand. Being the first race we got the best of it. He handled it better than the others.
"I think the world of this horse and he has a bright future. He had one educational run in a point-to-point and touch wood he is a good jumper.
"He won't be over raced this year and he is bred to be a chaser."
