Direct Image and Philip Enright pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
The day after he announced his imminent retirement from the training ranks, Robert Tyner was on the mark with Direct Image in the Ryan Cleaning Event Specialists Handicap Hurdle.
Successful on her last three starts, Direct Image, who got in as third reserve, was guided to victory by Philip Enright and was returned a 9/1 chance (drifted from 5s).
On what was her first outing since November, the daughter of Shantou was never far off the pace and improved to lead on the entrance to the straight.
Soon clear, she never came off the bridle and was four-and-a-half lengths in front at the line, in the colours of owners Michael Walsh and John Carroll. Lucailem (22/1) was second, just a short head in front of Highland Penny (16/1), while Aprils Joy (25/1) was a further eleven lengths back in fourth. A Different World was sent off the 10/3 favourite (from 5s) and he finished a disappointing tenth.
"Robert has been my main man for a long time and himself and Mary have been brilliant and I'd have been lost without them," Enright revealed.
"I rode my first winner for him in 2006 and he has been an unbelievable supporter to me and is a brilliant trainer.
"Askthemaster finishing second in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham was the best day I had for them but I won the Pierce Hurdle for him when I only had five or six winners. He had the confidence in me but it was easy ride big winners for a good trainer. Thankfully I was able to pay him back a couple of days.
"It came as big a shock to me as everybody else so we'll let the dust settle and see what happens but things are up in the air for me at the moment."
Regarding Direct Image he added: "She is a progressive little mare and took a little while to come to herself. Robert gave her the time and it just proves what a good trainer he is.
"She jumped and travelled today, is a summer mare who needs good ground."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
