Courageous springs surprise in the opener

The Tim Doyle trained Courageous Cry sprang a 12/1 surprise as he took the opening Follow LRC On Facebook Maiden Hurdle at Limerick this afternoon.

The 4yo son of Spartacus ran twice as a 2yo back in 2010 and only made his return to action last month following a two year absence from the track.

Since returning to action he ran in two maiden hurdles before today and was running well over the course and distance last time out when he crashed out at the second last.

Ridden by Martin Burke he settled in mid-division in the early stages before making good headway into fourth in the early straight.

He made smooth progress to lead at the last and he was driven out from there to score by three and a quarter lengths at the line. Sarabad for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh was sent off the 8/13 favourite but he could only manage second while the Arthur Moore trained Back Off Mate was a further two and a quarter lengths back in third at 7/1 under Barry Cash.

Tim Doyle said afterwards: "He was entered to run at Thurles last Thursday but that was called off.

"He travelled well today. He fell here the last day at the second last and he probably would have been thereabouts. I was hoping he would go close today.

"He is flat bred but he stays very well and he has a bit of class. I have no plan for him now but he will probably go for a winners of one. He was impressive enough."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)