The John Halley-trained Ballymacaw stayed on best from the last to spring a shock in the three-mile maiden hurdle at Limerick this afternoon. Johngus soon took them along, having been free early, but was strongly pressed from the second last as the challenges mounted behind him.

It was Ballymacaw who jumped into the lead over the final flight for amateur David Kiely and he went on to record a two-and-a-half length success Atlantic Shore

The easy to back 28/1 winner had been well held when a moderate third to Energumene at Gowran just eight days ago.

"He is a lovely horse with plenty ability and has done it now. He is a big strong horse and he was crying out for that trip. He'll go chasing and we'll see what happens.

"David comes in and rides out. He has ridden point to point winners for me but that's his first racecourse winner for me. He is a very good rider and doesn't get the credit he deserves."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)