Figero strikes at 20/1 in Kilbeggan's opener Figero (backed from 50s into 20/1 before the off) sprang a surprise in Kilbeggan's opener, the SIS Supporting Irish Racing Maiden Hurdle over just short of two miles The Hillstar gelding, bred by owners Peter and Sandra McCarthy, hadn't shown much in three previous starts. Here, under Michael Kenneally, he raced in second and took over in front on the long run between the final two flights. Codger's Rock threw down a challenge but was seen off by half a length, with the staying-on Rosie's Wings the same distance back in third. Sent off the 11/8 favourite. Try Them weakened tamely before the last and finished well down the field.  Winning trainer Tom Mullins said "“This time last year we said he was a right horse and he’d win a bumper. “He got balloted out of a few bumpers and we decided to give him a break. We brought him back for the winter but he doesn’t like soft ground, he’s a summer horse. “He ran disappointing in two bumpers and we put it down mainly to the ground. We thought he didn’t stay and I’d say that’s as far as he wants it, two miles. “He’s a great jumper, loves it, and jumped brilliantly. I’d say the ground was the whole thing for him and he grew up a bit in the meantime as well. He won’t be running in the winter again. “He’s a fighter as well. He’s a nice horse at home and we did fancy him to win a bumper, and he would have on good ground but time was running out and we saw this race. “It’s for horses that weren’t placed after two runs so we said we’d crack on and go for it. “We’ll maybe look for a novice now and I think he’ll win a mile-and-a-half maiden on the Flat. We’ll celebrate this first and then see what happens.” Additional reporting by Gary Carson
