Well-backed Kolaphos scores for Brassil

The well-supported Kolaphos got off the mark on his fourth attempt over flights as he ran out a convincing winner of the Pig ‘N’ Whistle Pubs & Restaurants New York Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Martin Brassil the six-year-old son of Kayf Tara was available at 7/1 in a place this morning, opening on-course at just 5/2, the price he was returned.

He won a bumper on debut for Sabrina Harty at Sedgefield back in August of 2012 and he put in his best performance since to finish third behind Rich Coast at Tipperary last month.

Settled in mid-division this evening he improved to take closer order in third after three out and he swept to the front before the next.

He was ridden away from the second last and stretched clear on the run-in to come home seven lengths to the good under David Casey. Magical Moon was sent off the 11/8 favourite and he finished a well-beaten second under Paul Moloney for Michael Hourigan.

Martin Brassil said afterwards of his Peter Malone owned gelding: “It took a while to get him as healthy as he should be. He seemed to stay on the last day so we said we'd try him over further when we got nice ground.

"The ground was all important to him as he wouldn't want it too fast. We'll see what the handicapper does now."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson