Grove Field clears the 2nd last with Wrong Way Corrigan in pursuit© Photo Healy Racing
On outing number ten Grove Field accomplished what was expected of him as he landed the 'My Canine Companion (Autism Services For Children)' Opportunity Maiden Hurdle as the 8/11 market-leader at Clonmel.
Despite carrying his head high when taking over in the straight, Grove Field (Mark Bolger up) beat the David O'Brien-trained pair, Wrong Way Corrigan and Cool Klan by one and a quarter lengths and the same.
Eoin Doyle 's Fogartysay's was making an encouraging debut when falling at the last. Thankfully the horse, and rider, Brian Cawley were okay after the spill.
A realistic winning trainer, Colm Murphy said: "That was about time but it was grand. He'd want to have been winning this but the pace of the race was my worry beforehand and Mark said the very same thing when he came back in (not quick enough for him).
"He's in at Galway in a handicap and I might run him before Noel (O'Brien, handicapper) gets his hands on him although he probably should be dropped for winning this.
"He'll go chasing soon – he's a big raw type.
"Eamonn (Nolan, winning owner) is from Enniscorthy. He's on a long vacation, touring the world, and he's currently in Cambodia." (TW & EM)
