Coulonces and Conor McNamara jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
The Whiteriver Wood Flooring Claiming Hurdle saw the 3/1 joint-favourite Coulonces gain her second win over hurdles in the hands of Conor McNamara.
The daughter of Le Havre, four times a winner on the level in France, was patiently ridden and began to make steady headway from the end of the back straight on the final circuit. She gained a narrow lead on the run to the final flight and, although Emir Des Rots battled well on the run-in, the winner stayed on well to score by three quarters of a length.
In for a claiming price of E7,000, the successful 6-year-old had won a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in April.
Winning trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “She was a little bit of a doubtful stayer (over 2m4f) coming in here but she did stay well, he rode her to stay and she stuck at it well.
“I predict that she will be claimed as there has been plenty of interest in her (12 claims in for her).
“She's won a couple now for me and best of luck to the next man with her.”
That next man turned out to be successful claimant Paul Gilligan, while the runner-up was claimed by Amanda Finn for E6,000 and will join Conor O'Dwyer. Seventh-place finisher Take A Turn was another to be claimed for E6,000, in his case by trainer Leanne Breen.
Quotes from Gary Carson
