Trainer Terence O'Brien can be forgiven for scratching his head at the seemingly very generous 16/1 S.P. of his Kilnockin Lady winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Maiden Hurdle at Cork today.

The daughter of Flemensfirth was pulled up early on with a slipped saddle at Tipperary recently but prior to that had won a bumper and been a beaten favourite on her latest completed hurdle start.

Following the 16/1 win under Adrian Heskin, a surprised O'Brien said “she was a crazy price for a mare who was the best in the race on bumper form.”

“Her saddle slipped at Tipperary and prior to that she wasn't comfortable on the tight inside track at Punchestown.

“I think she's a very good mare but has had loads of problems behind and Paul Townend, who rode her at Punchestown said she was like riding a bike with square wheels. Adrian (Heskin) said she was hanging the whole way today and I think once she goes left-handed she'll be a stone better. We might look at a novice hurdle at Listowel next month if the ground is ok.”

By Thomas Weekes