Ferdia sprung a 33/1 surprise when winning at the first time of asking in the Ballinrobe Racecourse Centenary Year Maiden Hurdle.

Philip Donovan donned the silks of the Bit View Partnership on the Dylan Thomas five-year-old for John Ryan.

Never far away Ferdia improved to lead at the last. He was clear and ridden inside the final furlong.

The outsider had a reduced advantage close home but kept on to beat one of ‘the finishers,’ Aboutagout by a length and a half. Cullaghs Star was another eye-catcher in fourth, with odds-on favourite Gee Rex (not fluent three out) a disappointing 6th.

“That’s a very good horse — he hadn’t even been away for a school or anything — and he’ll improve a ton,” said Ryan.

“He’s a brother to Bonarc and Presenting Bonnie and in normal times he’d probably have went for a four-year-old point-to-point.

“He always showed loads and it’s brilliant for me to have my daughter Gillian as my assistant trainer.

“Father Shay Casey is into this fella with us as well so I’m delighted for everyone.”

(EM)