Ben comes good for grateful Dullea

Bandon trainer James Dullea was at pains to thank the connections of Benrouge for their support after the seven-year-old gelding, who sports the colours of former Queen Mother Chanpion Chase winner Newmill, opened his account in the McCarthy Insurance Group Maiden Hurdle.

The Beneficial gelding led approaching the last under Robbie Power in this two-mile event but was strongly pressed on the run-in with Asitsohappens (12/1 to 7/1) rallying well for Mikey Fogarty.

However Dullea’s 6/1 chance just found enough to prevail by a short-head, with 6/4 favourite Boondooma staying on a further length and three quarters away in third.

Dullea said, “I’m delighted for the Hayes’ as they are huge supporters of mine. It means everything to me to have a winner for them on the track. I’ve had a winner for them in a point-to-point.

“I looked after Newmill in John Murphy’s and I had him for his final season. Without them I don’t know where I’d be.

“This horse has taken his time but he’s a chaser in the making. We’ll find a winners-of-one for him but won’t over-race him this season. I think he’ll be better on better ground.”

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes