Cian Quirke makes fast start to the professional ranks

Cian Quirke got his professional career off to a dream start when partnering Voice Of Hope to land the Follow Kilbeggan On Instagram Maiden Hurdle and in the process complete a quick double for trainer Andy Slattery.

Quirke (20) only turned pro earlier this week and was seen to great effect here aboard the 100/30 chance, who was prominent throughout and kept on well from the last to beat newcomer True Faith by a length and three quarters. Garde Des Champs could find no extra in the closing stages finishing a head back in third.

Quirke, from Thurles, said “That means everything to me. I’m with Andy four days a week and John Ryan two days and I get into another couple of yards in the evening as well.

“I had about thirty rides in point-to-points and rode a few to be placed.”

Slattery’s brother and assistant Willie said, “Cian is a good young fella and a brilliant worker. It’s great to get him off the mark.

“We loved this horse as a two-year-old and then he lost his way. He’d a couple of good runs before today and the experience helped him.” Whosgotyanow initiated the Slattery double when taking the opening mares maiden hurdle under Cathal Landers at odds of 11/2.