Battling Spirit is brought down by Bryan Cooper after he fell from Desertmore Stream© Photo Healy Racing
All eyes were on Bryan Cooper and Davy Russell in the opener at Thurles, the I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle, but The Pounds under Roger Loughran upstaged them both, as he ran out a comfortable winner for trainer Tom Foley.
The eight-year-old son of Shantou was making his debut over hurdles this afternoon, having run in nine bumpers, with his best performance coming over the course and distance last February where he finished a head second to Band Of Blood.
Sent off a 9/1 chance today, the bay gelding tracked the leaders for much of the contest before improving to dispute the lead before the third last.
He hit the front on the approach to the straight, and he was ridden out from there, coming home a comfortable seven length victor. Kerrieonvic who was sent off the 6/4 (from 7/4 on-course) second favourite, finished second under Davy Russell for Charles Byrnes, while Moreece was two and a half lengths back in third under Martin Burke for Tim Doyle at 14/1.
Bryan Cooper who was having his first ride as No 1 rider for Gigginstown was aboard the 5/4 favourite Desertmore Stream (5/2 this morning and from 7/4 on-course).
The Philip Fenton trained gelding set a strong pace from the front but he weakened as they turned into the straight, and he crashed out at the second last when well held.
Tom Foley, who was recording his third winner since Christmas, said afterwards: "He had nine runs in bumpers and was only out of the first three twice, and he was beaten by a head here in one of those races.
"I'd say their wasn't many praying for rain last night but I was as he loves this ground.
"We will try and find a winners of one for him now.
"John Byrne is his owner and it is a pity they don’t make more owners like him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
