Battle Of Benburb annexes Tramore gold

A lovely, swift jump at the last enabled Battle Of Benburb to run out a ready winner of the opening maiden hurdle at Tramore.

Keith Donoghue mount tracked the leaders in third as they made the top turn. They made good headway at the elbow to assume the lead but was pressed by Estepona Sun at the second last.

That good jump at the last saw Battle Of Benburb home as he kept on to prevail by two and a half lengths at 3/1.

Estepona Sun attracted plenty of support from 10/1 to 15/2 but landed on all fours over the last and was no match for the winner on the run-in. Saeer the 11/4 favourite, was three and a half lengths further away in third.

Donoghue said: "He did it well and he jumped well. It was a little bit stop-start and I got pushed a bit wide turning in.

"Once I hit the front I was in control and he kept going well. I think he will improve again and he'll probably be one for handicaps during the summer.

"I'm sure Gavin (Cromwell) will find nice races for him."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy