Trainer Davy Fitzgerald had every reason to be grateful following the win of his Fitzfirth (backed from 6/4 into 1/1f), in the Charleville Cheese Maiden Hurdle at Listowel today.

Ridden by Ruby Walsh, Fitzfirth tracked the leaders under a keen hold, before eventually getting to the front before the final flight, staying on for a length success over Golden Alou

Afterwards Fitzgeral revealed “Fitzfirth gave me a fall during the spring and put me in hospital with a neck injury. He really hurt me, so I think he owed me that win!”

He added “he is from the family of Deep Bramble and has the makings of a nice horse. He'll stay hurdling for the time being.”