Tikkanen Express and Phillip Enright win the opener in Cork© Photo Healy Racing
James Dullea's Tikkanen Express turned over the odds-on-favourite Seven Nation Army with a pillar to post victory in the two mile maiden hurdle at Cork.
Phillip Enright sent the grey gelding into the lead from flagfall and the five-year-old was on good terms with himself coming to the third last.
He was pursued throughout by Vinnie Luck and Seven Nation Army who flanked him on either side as he jumped three out. A good jump there saw him lead them to the second last, however, Tikkanen Express went through the top of it.
He was still full of running approaching the last where Seven Nation Army made a mistake. The leader was driven out on the run-in to score by a length and three parts at 12/1.
Seven Nation Army (1/2f) dropped to third after that mistake but rallied to close on the winner in second. He was two and a half lengths up on Vinnie Luck (7/1).
James Dullea said: "We've always thought the world of him as he works like a good horse at home but as you can see (led to post), he isn't straightforward.
"Phillip has done an unbelievable job with him and once he is on his back, he switches off. He's not easy though and gets wound up and is highly strung. Because of that, I'll keep him away from the Listowel festival and give him an entry in a handicap hurdle next."
There was a major on-course gamble on Fugitive Motel from 50/1 down to 14/1. He stayed on to be a never nearer fourth (22 lengths behind Vinnie Luck in third). Although 18 horses went to post for this contest, only three ever got into it.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Seven Nation Army, at the request of trainer, Henry de Bromhead, and reported the animal to be lame post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
