Rut Daniels was given a well-judged ride by Ryan Treacy to run out a wide-margin winner of the opening 'unplaced' maiden hurdle at Limerick this afternoon. Coffeys Forge went hard in front in the two-mile-two contest and was reeled in before the third last by Rut Daniels.

The Harry Kelly-trained gelding kicked clear turning for home and stayed on well when asked for an effort down over the last couple of flights.

He galloped on to record a 12-length win, over Kaikoura

The 17/2 winner had been fifth in stronger contests at Clonmel on his previous couple of outings.

"Today was the plan and it worked out a great. He had been running on ground which was too quick but isn't a bad horse for the future and will be a staying chaser,” said Kelly.

"This is his ground as he is a winter horse and we'll see what we do next as he is for sale - he'll win plenty races."

He added "It is great to give Ryan a winner as he comes in twice a week and works hard, like the rest of us he just needs confidence.

"He said that Cian (Quirke) was going to make the running and go hard so around the inside course he decided to keep it simple: he didn't want to chase him but wanted to keep tabs."

Treacy was riding his first winner since suffering serious injuries back in May 2022, which saw him spend almost 16 months on the sidelines.

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)