Corbetts Cross outguns the favourite

Strong-travelling Corbetts Cross ploughed through the testing conditions in Limerick to land the 2m5f maiden hurdle.

He was swinging away for Maxine O'Sullivan in third before improving to lead after three out.

The 8/11 favourite, Seabank Bistro set off in pursuit of Corbetts Cross rounding the home turn, but O'Sullivan shook the leader up coming to the second last and he responded generously. Seabank Bistro didn't jump that obstacle as well as Corbetts Cross and was outgunned before the last.

Corbetts Cross popped it and came in by three and a half lengths at 3/1. Franciscan Rock (11/2) plodded on for third a further 20 lengths adrift.

Trainer Eugene O'Sullivan said: "He is a lovely horse, won his point-to-point very impressively, but we took him to the sales and couldn't sell him. He came back and then won his bumper and was a bit unlucky over hurdles the last day at Clonmel. If we had our time back we might have kicked on earlier and the form is working out.

"He probably won't be in my name the next time he runs, but we are delighted to have him. We have to survive in our game and that's what it takes.

"Maxine gave him a great ride and it is brilliant for the yard."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes