The Sabrina Harty trained Kalann under Mike Darcy, justified 4/6 favouritism to win the opening mallow.ie Maiden Hurdle at Cork today.

The Dundalk Flat maiden winner appeared to have the race ‘in the bag’ approaching the final flight but met the obstacle on a wrong stride and eventually was all out to hold the late challenge of Knockgraffon Lad by three parts of a length.

Afterwards Harty stated “Kalann had a holiday after he ran disappointingly on his last few runs during the winter. However he is a late May foal and is actually still growing.”

“We’ll go to Punchestown next for either the Grade 1 Four Year Old Hurdle or else a winners’ race. He likes good ground and will make a really nice horse next year.”

Thomas Weekes