Dark Oak springs a surprise under Carroll for Murphy

Rated all of 22lb inferior to the market leader, Dark Oak sprang a surprise in the concluding Sean Cleary Memorial Fillies Maiden.

Third of four on her most recent start at Tramore, the El Kabeir three-year-old was sent off an easy-to-back 25/1 chance (12s early) this evening.

Second and keen early on, the Joe Murphy-trained bay improved to the front on the turn into the straight and soon kicked a few lengths clear when ridden.

Keeping up the gallop in the closing stages, the Holmoak Stables and Kevin Duffy-owned victor was three quarters of a length clear at the line, with Radar Ahead (9/2) filling the runner-up spot under Dylan Browne McMonagle for Joseph O'Brien.

The regally-bred Aidan O'Brien-trained Rubies Are Red again failed to justify favouritism, with the 94-rated 6/4 chance another length and a half back in third.

"We always liked her and thought she was genuine but felt she might struggle to win her maiden. She is very big though and will be better in another year," Murphy commented.

"Gary said she was still a bit green but he got her balanced and he gave her a great ride.

"She has won a maiden now and I'd say she will go hurdling. The owners are from Dublin and Tralee and while we might go for a Flat handicap and then hurdling, it depends on what they want to do."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes