The 4/9 favourite Trifolium made all to take the opening race at Cork this afternoon, the corkracecourse.ie Maiden Hurdle, for his trainer Charles Byrnes with Davy Russell aboard.
The French bred son of Goldneyev was having his third start over hurdles today having finished second on his Irish debut over the course and distance in October before finishing third last time out at Thurles behind Turban when sent off the 5/4 favourite.
Wearing cheekpieces for the first time the 4yo bounced away in front and never saw another rival from there kicking on at the third last before drawing clear to win by a very easy twenty four lengths.
The James Dullea trained Firebird Flyer was well supported this morning, backed from 25/1 into 10/1 and rewarded his each-way supporters by finishing second under Andrew McNamara. Hidden Identity at 33/1 finished a further three lengths back in third for his trainer Terence O'Brien with Paddy Mangan aboard.
Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said afterwards: "It wasn't a great race and he was entitled to win it.
"He will appreciate better ground. He jumped better today than the last day, his jumping cost him last time out."
