Nickajack Cave scores on debut

Nickajack Cave made the perfect start to his career, as he took the concluding contest at Cork, the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Median Auction Maiden.

Bought for 65,000 pounds as a yearling, the son of Kendargent was sent off an unconsidered 25/1 chance this afternoon.

Settled towards rear of mid-division by Gary Carroll, the grey victor was pushed along from early in the straight.

He came with his effort on the outer with over a furlong left to race, and got to the front inside the final 100 yards, holding off the challenge of Bar Room Bore by a head at the line.

The runner-up was returned at 50/1 under Tom Madden for Jessica Harrington, while the 13/8 favourite Kattani (backed from 9/4) was another half a length back in third.

Shane Lyons, assistant trainer to his brother Ger, said afterwards: "He showed a great attitude and resolution and had to do it the hard way. We don't know how good a maiden that was and he will improve a lot from that.

"We don't know how far he will go but hopefully there will be a nice big handicap in him. What we'll take out of today is his gutsiness as he was green today and still fought for Gary. It's a good start for his career."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes