Mikey O'Connor's words that he'd "never seen the like of him to leap" came to mind after Rebel Fitz overcame a bit of adversity to justify favouritism in the opening corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle at Cork.

The victorious French-bred son of Agent Bleu got loose for a while when going out on to the track and indeed sweated up a fair bit too. However in the race he travelled and jumped with aplomb and once asked to go and win his race he readily saw off the next two in the market, Park Ranger and Buy Back Bob

Winning trainer Mick Winters said: "He jinked, dropped his shoulder and got rid of Davy going down. Davy said that he probably wants an ease in the ground and a greater test of stamina.

"He did the job well enough there though and maybe we'll think about Listowel now. I wouldn't have run here only I was passing the track last Sunday (July 24th) and they were watering. I was very happy with the ground today."

Owner of Rebel Fitz, Brian Sweetnam is originally from Kanturk but now works in banking in London. He was on hand to witness the triumph and he was besieged by well-wishers in the number one spot afterwards.