Mick Collins too strong for Luker's Tipple once again The Noel Meade trained Mick Collins upheld recent Flat form with Luker's Tipple when proving too strong for the odds-on favourite in the Bermingham Cameras Maiden Hurdle at Punchestown. Although the Inns Of Court gelding had come out on top when the pair clashed in a Flat maiden at Bellewstown in April, punters sided with the more experienced Andrew Kinirons trained runner on this occasion. The two had this race between them from three out, with Luker's Tipple asserting to go on entering the straight. However, Mick Collins closed back up jumping the last, finding plenty for Eoin Walsh to edge ahead on the run-in to score by two-and-a-quarter lengths. Noel Meade said: “I’ve been disappointed with him, not today obviously, but his run in Cork and I thought he was a better horse than even this. “We decided we’d let him bowl along and he’s battled well from the last. “He’s a big, raw horse and has won now on the Flat and over hurdles. I hope he’ll improve." Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
