Swampfire burns bright at Kilbeggan

Swampfire dominated the opening two mile maiden hurdle winning in a canter for trainer/jockey Denis Hogan.

The four-year-old gelding stepped up on his second placed finish in a 22-runner Cork maiden hurdle to win convincingly today by eight and a half lengths and reward favourite backers who took the 9/4. Falcarragh was the only horse able to go in pursuit of the favourite once he led from five out, but he was never on terms and came home second at 7/2.

The real tussle was for third as Knockeenonthedoor (11/2) edged out Salazar. by half a length, but this pair were some 27 lengths off the runner-up.

Denis Hogan said: “He took a while to do that. He was a very good horse on the flat and he’s got his jumping together.

“He’s starting to enjoy it now. It wasn’t the strongest of races and we’ve no real plan, but he might be sold.”

(on course reporting by Thomas Weekes)