The Eoin Griffin trained Fairview Star justified even money favourite when getting his head in front in the closing stages to win the Great Value Social Package Maiden Hurdle at Cork today.

Ridden by Eddie O'Connell, the son of Talkin Man went in pursuit of leader Spot Fine in the home straight but appeared to have plenty to do after jumping the second last flight. An untidy jump at the final flight by Spot Fine gave Fairview Star his chance and O'Connell edge him ahead close home for a three parts of a length win over Spot Fine.

Afterwards Griffin stated “it's nice to get that with him – he has transformed this year and I don't know why!”

He added “you could call it a well-timed ride from Eddie but he said afterwards that the ground was plenty quick enough for him. He normally jumps well but wasn't letting fly at his hurdles today as the ground was so quick.

“He could go for a novice or handicap hurdle next and also has the option of going back on the Flat. The 1m4f handicap on the Friday evening at Galway is an option for him.”

By Thomas Weekes