Cullen off the mark with Corn It was a red letter day for Ballina trainer John Cullen today as Cornmarket gave him his first winner in the Johnston Farm Equipment Handicap Hurdle. The Elzaam gelding had been pulled up on his most recent start at Naas in January but attracted some support from fancy prices on his first outing for Cullen, going to post a 22/1 shot. Alan King had to wait for gap on the winner turning for home but switched out bypassing the last hurdle and soon sent his mount on. He galloped on strongly close home to score by six lengths. “I’m delighted, that’s brilliant. The horse had been going really well at home but I was getting cold feet and was nervous when I got here,” said Cullen. “I’m delighted to get the win and a bit shocked to be honest. “He’s working at the beach now at home and working really well. He won well there, he was fit today. “I have the licence since 2018 but we took a gap last year because we bought a farm. That’s my first runner in a year-and-a-half and hopefully it’s all systems go now. “We have a few in but I could do with more supplies. If I get more tools I’ll make more masterpieces! “I’ve breakers in as well and the plan is to try and get more owners.” It was jockey Alan King's first winner since November 2020.
