Gallant Tipp scores under Mark Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Gallant Tipp had to work hard to justify his short price in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
Edward O’Grady’s charge was sent off the well-supported 11/10 favourite on his jumping debut.
The JP McManus-owned gelding was sent through to track long-time leader Wilde Sapphire at the third last by Mark Walsh.
He was driven along entering the straight as the front-runner appeared to travel better.
The hotpot got to that rival at the second last, however, and went on before the final flight to record a three-length victory.
The winner was making his first start since finishing third in a Limerick bumper on St Patrick’s Day.
He had scored on his only previous outing at Roscommon last August.
“He had a fall schooling last week and didn’t jump as fluent as I’d hoped or as he can,” revealed O’Grady.
“I thought he warmed up well and jumped the last two much better. It’s nice that he went on that ground too and hopefully he can go on from here.
“We won’t aim to high but it’s hard to find a winners of one without having to run on a Sunday (in better races). It’s a good problem to have.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
