The 7/4 favourite Flycorn got punters off to a good start when justifying good support in the opening Visit Tipperary Maiden Hurdle (Division 1) under John Cullen.
However the reduced prize-money levels for divided races enraged successful trainer Tom Hogan to such a degree that connections refused to accept a presentation afterwards in the parade ring.
“We entered him in for a different race to this,” said Hogan, referring to the first prize of €3,600 compared to what would have been €5,175 if the race had not been divided.
He added, “The racecourses are getting an extra €6,000 for a divided race, and the way things are going they may start to treat these races as point-to-points!”
Hogan was pleased for the horse who “deserved that” having beaten all bar the useful Frawley in a 21-runner maiden at Navan last time, and was backed on track here from an opening show of 9/4. Walter De La Mare (7/1) looked a big threat when travelling well to lead early in the straight before Cullen got down to work on the favourite, leading between the final two flights to ultimately gain a four length verdict. Hawkhill (8/1) could only keep on at one pace in the straight to take third, while long-time leader Miradane eventually finished fourth.
Alan Magee
