Tavern appreciates the step up in trip

Davy Russell recorded his first winner of the week as Tavern Times (5/2fav) took the Arthur Guinness Fund Novice Hurdle, bouncing back from a disappointing defeat last time out at Sligo.

Having won his maiden hurdle at Gowran in June, he was sent off the 4/5 favourite to follow up in Novice company at Sligo but he found Sulwaan too good over two miles.

The extra half a mile clearly suited him today as he galloped along in mid-division behind the clear leader Moncherie . He closed right up five flights from home before moving into the lead after the second last. He kicked on from there and travelled best approaching the turn-in.

The Dermot Weld trained, Endless Intrigue stayed on well from the back and looked a danger approaching the last, however the winning son of Presenting, kept on well under pressure to score by two and a half lengths.

The Tom Mullins trained 7yo is joint owned by Paul Duffin, Jerry Russell (Davy Russell's father) and Frosty Kelly (Russell's agent)

Winning trainer Tom Mullins said afterwards: "It was not ideal he hit the front but I just wouldn't be holding him up either as he is that sort of horse at the moment.

"He is getting better, getting a bit of confidence and getting well in himself again.

"We had a lot of hardship with him over the winter as he ran well in a race at Naas but cut the front leg off himself and he was lucky to come back after that at all.

Winning rider Davy Russell said afterwards: "That was a lovely win for a very important owner you know!

"I was very confident as I though the extra half mile would suit him, he was crying out for it.

"He didn't really handle the track well as he missed a couple of hurdles but didn't lose any ground at them.

"Tom had him in tip top shape and the good gallop suited him but he needs that type of race, a good gallop over a trip."

Donal Murphy