Eoin Doyle’s good recent spell continued when his Safari Sunup justified 2/1 favouritism to win the opening August Racing Festival 11th to 14th Maiden Hurdle at a warm Tramore this evening.

Ridden by Shay Barry, the gelding moved to the front before the final flight, to score a three and a half lengths win over Point The Toes

Afterwards Doyle stated “Safari Sunup is a grand horse but two and a half miles on a galloping track is ideal for him. He stayed on like hell at Punchestown the last day and should improve from today. He may go for a novice hurdle at Galway next.”

Jockey Brian Hayes was removed to Waterford General Hospital having been unseated from Trabajo at the third last flight. Thankfully, the horse's trainer 'Shark' Hanlon later reported the rider to have regained consciousness before he left th track. Hayes is to undergo for x-rays on his upper body.

Thomas Weekes