Lihyan gives Halley dream start to training career

Lihyan took it up early and made most of the running to run out an easy winner of the opening Sign Up To Our Newsletter Maiden Hurdle at Cork.

The four-year-old also gave trainer Josh Halley the perfect start to his training career; a winner with his very first winner.

Fourth of 22 on his most recent start at Punchestown, the gelding was sent on by Ricky Doyle early in the first circuit. Always travelling and jumping well, he had his rivals in trouble after turning for home and never looked in danger.

Favourite Classic Lord ran a solid race in fourth. He just lacked the fluency of the winner and looked as though he would benefit from the experience.

Josh Halley said; "that is my first runner and I was granted my license a week ago, having done the course a month ago. I took over from Dad at home as he is busier than ever (with a veterinary practise) and I had the interest in going training.

"We have five or six in at the moment but will get busier towards the winter time. It is a family operation and we only run our own horses and for a few friends.

"He (Lihyan) had a nice run the last day and in fairness to him he is progressive enough. He is not overly big but is well put together and came on leaps and bounds from the last day. He jumped far better today which was one of the goals we got right.

"We will give him a break now and bring him back in towards the end of the summer."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes