Terence O'Brien who has had winners on the track in the past with the likes of Copper Supreme and Glenquest at this year's Listowel Festival, trained 20/1 victor of the opener at Thurles, Ballysassian who beat fellow outsiders, 50/1 pair, Some Song and My Light

This winning son of Sassanian had been successful 'between the flags' for the Cork handler in a confined event at Inch back last March. He had since performed with credit in a couple of bumpers.

O'Brien said: "I knew the horse had ability but he has had a lot of problems and I was more than surprised that he won today." Bannow Rose the 4/7 market-leader, could manage no better than ninth while her only rival in the betting, Shadow Of The Wind was seventh. (EM)