Punters again got in right in the 2m4f maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse as 5/4 favourite Cockleshell Road got the better of chief market rival Themoonandsixpence
The Edward O'Grady-trained gelding, a surprise winner here on his bumper debut before being far from disgraced behind Cousin Vinny in the Cheltenham Festival Bumper, showed the benefit of his hurdling debut at Punchestown last month.
Well-backed from a best price in the ring of 2/1, he dug deep under pressure from Andrew McNamara leading before the last to eventually score by six lengths. The first two pulled 30 lengths clear of the remainder.
'When he started schooling I thought he was the worst jumper I ever had but he's warmed to his task. I'd like to think the first two are good horses, and it looks like he stays well,' said O'Grady.
'He's a relaxed individual who shows little at home, and surprised us when winning on his debut. Soft ground is important to him.'
