Born Patriot sprang an 80/1 surprise on his debut, as he got up in the dying strides to claim the Connolly's RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle.

Trained by Peter Fahey, the son of Born To Sea was 25/1 in early shows, but proved friendless with punters.

Settled in mid-division on the inner by Kevin Sexton, the bay victor was pushed along in fifth from two out.

Ridden to challenge between horses before the last, he wasn't fluent at that obstacle, but rallied gamely in the closing stages, getting up to prevail by a neck. All About Joe (a well-backed 6/4f) looked set to provide Colm Murphy with his first winner since returning to training, but he couldn't hold off the winner and had to settle for second under Mikey Fogarty.

The Jonathan Sweeney trained Churchstonewarrior (22/1 to 12s) was just three parts of a length away in third.

Fahey, who trains the winner for owners Direct Bloodstock Limited, said afterwards: "He's a nice horse and whatever he does over hurdles, he's a fine big horse and will be grand over fences. He's a pure galloper.

"My wife Ber rides him out every day and she was confident coming here today.

"He works well at home but it's hard for a four-year-old in that race getting no allowances. Anything he did at home he did very well.

"It's a good prize and a lovely series to have."

STEWARDS REPORTS

S.A. Mulcahy, rider of Cantgetenough trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost it's action and was pulled up.

The Stewards interviewed K.C. Sexton, rider of Born Patriot, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found K. C. Sexton in breach of Regulation 10.3.(g), excessive frequency. Having considered K. C. Sexton's record in this regard the Stewards cautioned him on this occasion.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee