Gallant John Joe scores for McKiernan & Browne

The Oliver McKiernan trained Gallant John Joe caused a minor upset to win the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown today, scoring under 5lbs claimer Barry Browne.

The son of Presenting was easy to back on-track as fifth favourite at 10/1 (from 6s), and in the race led from the second last before holding on for a two lengths win over fast finishing The Gunner Murphy

McKiernan later said “he’s a big horse and he’s strengthened up and grew over the summer. We didn’t do much with him on grass, and I was disappointed when I heard the hurdles (in the back straight) were gone as I think he’s a good jumper.

“The race probably cut up a bit but I thought it was a decent enough performance. We’ll probably head for Leopardstown at Christmas, and I don’t think he’ll have a problem with three miles.

“He should make a chaser as he’s big enough for it anyway.”

Gallant John Joe is named after McKiernan's fellow countyman John Joe O'Reilly who captained the Cavan team which won All-Ireland Football Championship in 1947 at the New York City Polo Grounds before retaining the title at Croke Park in 1948.

Quotes from Alan Magee