Tavern Times justified strong support as the 8/15 favourite took the two miles jogforjockeys.ie Maiden Hurdle but only after a protracted tussle with chief market rival Worldly Wise
The final hurdle was omitted on both circuits due to ground conditions, and the extended run-in produced an exciting finish as Worldly Wise (7/2) threw down a strong challenge.
However Davy Russell's mount had enough in reserve to hold on by half a length as the pair pulled 16 lengths clear of Coral Creek (25/1) in third.
“That's a nice present for Fathers Day,” said Russell afterwards in reference to his father Jerry being a part-owner of the Presenting gelding along with Paul Duffin and jockey's agent Andrew “Frosty” Kelly.
Winning trainer Tom Mullins said: “Davy said he wants a bit further. It looked that way today, although it's a bit of a surprise to me. His class won out in the end, and any less of a horse wouldn't have won as the runner-up had a right go at him. He'll go novice hurdling now rather than handicapping.”
Alan Magee
