Araku Valley and Brian Hayes score at Clonmel© Photo Healy Racing
A half-brother to Gordon Elliott's dual bumper scorer, Time For A Pint, Araku Valley caused a 33/1 surprise in a first time hood in the opening Kilmore Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel.
Brian Hayes made his ground, in the familiar Annette Mee silks, aboard Araku Valley from before the third last flight. He was soon in front and he ultimately ran out an easy eight length victor over Who's That (16s into 12s). Dancers Dilemma (Ruby Walsh reported that his mount jumped poorly and hung right in running) stayed on a bit in the closing stages for third, a further two and a half lengths adrift.
Winning trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon said: "The little cut in the ground might have made the difference and he settled a lot better.
"He usually pulls quite hard but the hood helped him to settle.
"From here I don't know where we'll go – we'll have to see what the handicapper does and he should make a better chaser than hurdler." (TW & EM)
