Eoin Griffin's Kazal, who bypassed an engagement at Cheltenham next week, landed his fifth Graded win in succession when winning the opening and featured Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles today.
Ridden by Barry Geraghty, Kazal raced prominently throughout and although narrowly headed in the straight, battled back to regain the lead on the run-in for a three length win over Chomba Womba.
Afterwards a delighted Griffin reported 'I was a bit worried about the track not suiting him today but he is a really tough horse.'
He added 'that's his fifth success win in Graded company and I think it justified our decision to give Cheltenham a miss and his next option is ground dependant. He may go to Aintree or Punchestown but he does need soft ground. All that's missing now on his novice CV is a Grade 1 win.'
On a day when the value of Thurles racecourse to Irish racing was again highlighted, Glencove Marina (2/5f) maintained his 100% record when comfortably winning the C.J. Sheeran Ltd. Maiden Hurdle (division 1) for jockey Ruby Walsh.
The dual bumper winning son of Spectrum raced prominently throughout, led approaching the third last flight before staying on for a 16 length win over Spirit Run.
Winning trainer Willie Mullins later reported 'I'm very happy with that and we'll try to win a nice novice hurdle at Fairyhouse or Punchestown now.'
He added 'he has plenty of speed to win on the Flat but we decided to give the Cheltenham bumper a miss because he was a bit keen and another bumper would probably do more harm than good. He looks a chaser in the making but we'll see how he gets on over hurdles before making plans for next season.'
Walsh later recorded a double when steering Tony Martin's Cyril's Top Girl to a hard fought three and a half length win over The Paddy Premium, in the Prime Beef Handicap Hurdle.
Jessica Harrington's Tailor's Hall, under Andrew Leigh, ran out the battling four length winner of the Thurles Racecourse Maiden Hurdle.
Afterwards Harrington reported 'Tailor's Hall is a great big staying chaser in the making and will have one more run before being left off. Three miles in the mud over fences is his real game.'
Arthur Moore's Tahitien Fix, under Denis O'Regan, was the well backed (6/1 - 9/2) winner of what looked a weak C.J. Sheeran Ltd. Maiden Hurdle (division 2).
Afterwards Moore mentioned 'Tahitien Fix will go chasing next season but we'll give him a run in a handicap hurdle next to give him more experience.'
The concluding bumper went to Mags Mullins' impressive winner Beroni, under a well judged ride from Adrienne Foley.
Thomas Weekes.
