Zolpharine makes winning start over hurdles in opener

Zolpharine made a winning start over jumps when running out a convincing winner of the opening Sean Hughes Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan for John Ryan.

The Yeats gelding had been runner-up in a Tramore three weeks ago and went to post a 9/2 shot on his hurdling debut.

Liam Quinlan tracked the leaders on his mount before driving him into a narrow lead approaching the final flight in the two-miler.

The five-year-old pulled away on the run to the line to record a five-length victory over Rock Ya Boy Ya

“This is a lovely horse, he's a half-brother to Fairyhill Run,” said Ryan.

“My cousin Tom Meagher bred him and the mother died when he was only three weeks old. Then his foster mother had bits of problems, it's only now he's growing into a horse.

“He's a useful horse. He'll go to Listowel now for the winners of one novice.

“He wants further, he's out of a Flemensfirth mare.

“Fairyhill Run is a brilliant mare, she won a lot for us. She got an injury but it looks like she'll come back. I'd say he's way better than her, he's exciting.

“He's not very big yet but he's a nice one and he won that race with a bit in hand.”