Gibney and Flanagan win at Cork

Thomas Gibney got off the mark early for the new national hunt season when Ah Littleluck and local jockey Mark Flanagan took the three-mile maiden hurdle at Cork.

The long trip to the Mallow venue was rewarded as Ah Littleluck followed up on a good display in a hot novice handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse at Easter behind Coney Island.

Mark Flanagan came home in front of 50/1 chance Sunchyme, partnered by Meath jockey Ger Fox, with eight lengths to spare for Drogheda owner Kevin Haigney, owner.

Seeyouallincoppers was well supported in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle under Jack Kennedy to keep up the Meath theme for Longwood trainer Gordon Elliott.

DOWNPATRICK
Rise Of An Empire was a convincing winner of a maiden hurdle for Noel Meade at Downpatrick yesterday and the Gigginstown-owned horse will probably go to Kilbeggan in a fortnight next.

Another local trainer, Gillian Callaghan, was also on the mark when Redclue won over the major obstacles for jockey Robbie Power.

Jim Dreaper was also in the winners' enclosure when Shake It Up justified favouritism in the Frank Fitzsimmons Maiden Hunters Chase.