Lirakali scores for de Bromhead & O'Keeffe Runner-up on his first two starts, Lirakali (2/1) readily got off the mark at the third time of asking in Wexford’s William Hill Challenge Series Maiden Hurdle over two miles and a furlong. Second in a bumper last term and touched off by stablemate The Captain’s Word on hurdling debut at Gowran Park earlier in the month. Kenny Haughey’s five-year-old led before two out under Darragh O’Keeffe and scored by eight lengths from Jessbers Wish. “He had a lovely run the first day and it looks like he's stepped forward again," said winning trainer Henry De Bromhead. “We had a bit of a concern about the ground, but he seemed to handle it well. There are a couple of nice novice hurdles coming up for him. Maybe the Royal Bond at Fairyhouse possibly next, but we'll see." Additional reporting by John O’Riordan
