PUNTERS IN THE MONEY AT THURLES

Punters were on the mark at Thurles today when four out of the six favourites obliged.

Highlight was the 20-length victory of Be My Royal at 4-5 in the Stayers Novice Hurdle.

'He is improving with every race, and we will bring him next to Naas for a Grade Three novice event,' said the gelding`s trainer Willie Mullins.

'The Royal & SunAlliance Novices` Hurdle would be an obvious target at Cheltenham, but his jumping needs to improve.'

This season`s leading rider Ruby Walsh was bringing his tally to the half-century mark as Be My Royal strode clear of Trevino.

Mullins and Walsh were hopeful of a quick double with Adamant Approach in the EBF Maiden Hurdle, but the 4-11 shot was beaten eight lengths by Native Kin.

Favourite backers though had no problems when Kadouko (11-10) repeated a recent course and distance victory in the opening EBF Novice Handicap Chase for Kildare trainer Arthur Moore, scoring by eight lengths from Ship Of Shame.

However, Rose Of Inchiquin had to battle tenaciously in the Tattersalls Mares Beginners` Chase confined to mares to justify 5-4 favouritism by a neck from Masseuse.

The bookmakers were digging deep as well after the Urlingford Handicap Hurdle as Cronin`s Boy, another 5-4 market leader, defied a 7lb penalty for his previous win at Clonmel by going clear in the closing stages to beat Executive Pine by three lengths.