Staples shines as Cromwell bags a one-two Trainer Gavin Cromwell had a one-two in the opening Randox Maiden Hurdle at Downpatrick with Barrys Spirit (9/1, from 14s before the off) just getting the better of odds-on favourite Luker's Tipple. The winner had been fourth in a bumper here last month and tracked the leaders on this debut over flights. Third jumping the last, Eoin Staples got a lovely split between Luker's Tipple and Tropical Twist on the home turn and the Poet's Word four-year-old gained a narrow advantage which he maintained to the line to post a half-length success. There was a lot of late money for the newcomer Campbell Black (50s into 11/4 before the off) and he stayed on to grab third close home.   Cromwell said: "Delighted. He runs in the colours of Chrissy Maye who passed away a few months ago, so it is very nice for them (connections).  "Obviously, he is a half-brother to My Mate Mozzie and The Other Mozzie, and it is nice to have another winner in the family.  "I fancied him to be placed. Eoin was good on him and mugged Keith (Donoghue on Luker's Tipple) late on - just got the kick off the last (hurdle) and it was grand for him to win.  "Eoin is great value for his 7lb claim and is riding with great confidence as well which is always good.  "I did think Luker's Tipple would outsprint him because he is a very quick horse at home, but he beat him anyway." Additional reporting by Michael Graham
