Jack Foley (25), the champion conditional of 2021/2022, made a welcome return to the number one spot at Cork today in the Fraser Rutherford Handicap Hurdle aboard the John Murray-owned and Liam Cusack-trained 14/1 chance Glencourt Valley

After his first winner since June 2023 Foley explained: "I broke my arm last June and missed seven months and found it very hard to get going again.

"It's mad how things change around but that's the racing game and I had a brilliant season when I started. It's nice to get back on the scoresheet and hopefully I can kick on."

Glencourt Valley had to be tough to get the better of morning market mover Yulong Voice by half a length.

Foley further explained: "I'd be at nothing if I didn't have Tom Mullins by my side as he has supported me and in fairness Liam (Cusack) said he would take me for a morning a week and told me he'd give me a fair chance, and he has.

"Glencourt Valley needed nice ground and got it here today. Liam said to be patient and while I wasn't going as easy as I wanted to be early-on, Liam had drilled it into me that if we get some good jumps down the back and then let him take me along.

"I got there way too soon but he stayed going well."

D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Ladyeze Man trained by J.P. Flavin, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount never travelled.

C.P. McNamara, rider of Red Coral House trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount went wrong at the back of the second last and was pulled up.

N.T. Prendergast, rider of Ella Rose trained by D E Prendergast, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped before three out.

(TW & EM)