Blazing performance from Khal on hurdles debut

On what was his debut over flights, Blazing Khal took the opener at Galway this afternoon, the BetVictor Maiden Hurdle.

The winner of a bumper on his fifth start at Limerick last Christmas, the Charles Byrnes trained gelding was sent off a 10/3 chance this afternoon.

Settled behind the leaders by Donie McInerney, the son of Kalanisi was fifth with a circuit to race and wasn't fluent at the sixth.

Closer in third from two out, he came with his challenge at the last, getting to the front inside the final 150 yards, going on to score by two and three parts of a length. Gringo D'aubrelle who was sent off the 6/4 favourite, hit the front before the last but he ultimately had to settle for second under Davy Russell for Gordon Elliott.

The Tony Martin trained Explosive Boy (25/1) completed the places, another nine and a half lengths back in third.

Byrnes said in the aftermath: "It was a nice effort and he loves the soft ground.

"It was a good solid performance and hopefully he'll come on from it. He is a fine horse and it is early days so we'll give him a chance after that."

Blazing Khal is out of three-time winner Blazing Sonnet, with that one a half-sister to 2011 Galway Plate victor Blazing Tempo.

STEWARDS REPORTS

B.J. Cooper, rider of Explosive Boy (FR) trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got tight for room on the bend after the second hurdle. The Stewards subsequently reviewed this incident and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Salseros (FR), trained by Barry Connell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes