Rathvinden and Paul Townend in control in Cork© Photo Healy Racing
Odds on favourites in 24-runner two mile maiden hurdles wouldn’t usually be the way for punters to make their money, but those who took the 4/5 offered on Rathvinden in Cork had very little worry over their investment.
The five-year-old gelding impressed in a course and distance bumper three weeks ago when easing clear by 12 lengths and today more of the same was dished out to his rivals on this first hurdling assignment.
Paul Townend settled the Willie Mullins-trained horse in sixth and hugged the rail as David Casey and Dromnea dictated affairs from the front.
Rathvinden moved into third before the third-last hurdle and from there came to win the race at the second last before striding away for a facile 11-lengths victory.
Dromnea kept on for second at 14/1, half a length in front of Theos Well (20/1). The latter had also been third to Rathvinden here three weeks ago.
