Hernes defies drift to claim opener at Cork

20/1 shot Hernes Hill produced a gutsy front-running performance to land the spoils in the opening six furlong maiden at Cork.

The Ardad colt had been third on both previous outings at Dundalk during the winter but was easy to back today, from a morning show of 8/1.

Donagh O'Connor was always prominent, on the outer, on his mount and the John McConnell-trained colt found plenty when asked for more passing the two furlong pole.

He got on top inside the final furlong to beat Shoebox King who had also disputed, by a length-and-a-quarter. 4/9 favourite Relevant Range was a neck back in third.

The winning rider said afterwards:- "He was a big weak horse last year but has a fine big frame and has filled into it this year.

“He wasn't disgraced in Dundalk but you always knew when he did fill out he would improve massively.

"I hadn't sat on him until February and couldn't believe how wide he was after getting and he has improved plenty.

“He was working well at home, there was a question mark on the ground but he is a tank of a horse who was able to get through it.

"He has a fine long stride and we let him use it today and he will improve plenty from that as well as he was still quite stuffy. He will be exciting for John and the owners (Matthew Rogers) who are lovely people."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)