Fingers burnt with Mary as Groovy comes good

The John Burke trained Hey Groovy sprang a 12/1 surprise in the Follow Tipperary Races On Facebook Mares Maiden Hurdle. Mary B was sent off a well-backed 2/5 favourite (from 11/10 on-course) for this two and a half mile contest, but she unseated Barry Geraghty at the fifth last.

Settled in second by Danny Mullins, the bay victor improved to lead before two out, and was ridden clear approaching the last, going on to score easily by eleven lengths. Forgetthesurprise (33/1) finished second for the Madden's, while 100/1 chance Gone Galavanting was another length and a half back in third. Carrigmoorna Wood who was sent off an easy to back 4/1 second favourite, faded tamely in the straight and eventually finished eighth.

Paddy Burke, father of the winning trainer, said afterwards: "Ground made all the difference and she had been in good form at home all year.

"I didn't think she'd win a maiden but it was great that she did. When I saw Mary B going I said we are in with a chance and she'd be placed now anyway.

"We'll talk to Kate (Harrison, owner) but we'll probably have to go for a handicap now anyway. We'll have to run her while the ground is good."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes