Well-supported Leo gets off the mark

The market got it spot on in the opener at Naas, the Billy's Bus Supporting Naas Hurling Race, as Leo Minor came home in front under Seamie Heffernan for Aidan O'Brien. Mirdif was as short as evens last night, but he proved friendless with punters, as the winner came in for plenty of support.

Available at 9/4 this morning, Leo Minor eventually went off the 7/4 favourite, while Mirdif was returned a 5/2 chance.

Placed on his first two starts, the winning son of War Front soon got to the front on the inner. He went a few lengths clear from the two furlong pole, and while his advantage was reduced in the closing stages, he still had half a length to spare at the line. Noivado (9/4) kept on well to take second under Colin Keane for Ger Lyons, while Mirdif could only manage a disappointing fourth under Pat Smullen for Michael O'Callaghan.

Seamie Heffernan said afterwards: "I must tell him (Aidan) that he was running over the wrong trip! He's come forward from his two runs, and speed will be his game.

"It's unusual for one out of a Galileo mare to show that much speed."

Additional reporting by Alan Magee