Cullaghs Star makes breakthrough in Wexford

Cullaghs Star put his experience to good use to get off the mark in Wexford's maiden hurdle over two miles for five-year-olds and upwards.

Simon Torrens worked him into a narrow lead two out and the pair had the chasing Mr Fred Rogers under pressure after the last.

The winner was driven out to score by a length and quarter at 5/1. Mr Fred Rogers had to settle for second at 9/4. He was 12 lengths clear of Upping The Anti (6/1 from 9/1).

Trainer Seamus Fahey said: "Our big concern was would he handle the ground and he did, so that opens up more options for us.

"His owner (Padraig Reddin) was anxious to try and win a maiden with him because he has some of the family coming along behind.

"We might keep him on the go now until Christmas, I'll have to chat with Padraig and see. I'll also have a chat with Simon to see does he think he'll get further. It was important that it worked out today.

"We only have eight horses to run and we had a winner (Crackaway) the other day in Sligo as well.

"You'd be hoping they'd all win but obviously they won't. We run Take All here tomorrow in a hot beginners', but we will give it a shot anyway."

This was Cullaghs Star's eighth start over hurdles.

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy