Franciscan Rock gets his reward in Thurles

The market for the extended two mile seven furlong maiden hurdle revolved around Sir Argus (5/4f) and Franciscan Rock (11/8) with the latter having too much for the former.

Sir Argus moved into second in his pursuit of Franciscan Rock on the long run to the penultimate flight.

Franciscan Rock clattered through that hurdle, but it didn't impede his momentum. Sir Argus soon had difficulty trying to reel him in between the last two flights.

Franciscan Rock had his rival beaten at the last once he cleared it. He went on to score by a decisive four and a quarter lengths under Ricky Doyle. So Des Flos picked up third prize at 4/1.

Franciscan Rock had been placed in his previous four maiden hurdles.

Trainer Mouse Morris said: "That wasn't before his time, but they still have to go and do it. In all his races, all he looked like doing was staying and had been beaten by better horses on the day.

"He seemed to handle today's ground well, but the ground might get a bit tight for him from now on. I'm more looking forward to next season with him for jumping fences."

He added: "The O'Flynns are great people to train for. I don't have any bad people to train for, but they have been great supporters and have been with me nearly since the start."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes