THE opening four-year-old mares’ maiden for the Maguire Cup threw up somewhat of a surprise result when Northern Beau (10/1 - 6/1) recorded a two-and-a-half-length success. Running in the Berry colours, the winner is a first Irish point-to-point runner for flat stallion Canford Cliffs and was also by far the most experienced runner in the field albeit in a slightly different discipline.

Brian Jordan acquired his charge after she had competed half a dozen times on the flat, with her latest run coming over just six furlongs. The bay mare is clearly enjoying the change of scenery and having raced prominently the she quickened clear in the closing stages to come home in front of the promising Jennifer Juniper.