Thurles Report

On his second start for Sean O'Brien, Strong Project gained the biggest win of his long career in the featured Phil Sweeney Memorial Chase at Thurles today.

Making all as he has done in the past under Johnny Allen, the 4/1 shot already had the measure of 6/4 favourite, Doctor Linton, when a better jump at the final fence sealed the issue.

'I have him eight weeks and he needed the run last time (in the John Durkan over three weeks ago). He will go next for the Kinloch Brae Chase here in a fortnight's time.

'Even though he might not have shown it there, he is a very good jumper. Given that he will get an entry for the Aintree Grand National,' explained Kilworth, Co. Cork-based O'Brien.

A native of the same village, Johnny Allen went on to complete a near 18/1 double in the following W.T. O'Grady Memorial Hurdle on Cogans Lake for Kieran Purcell.

This one was being challenged by Marhaba Million when he was slightly hampered and crashed out at the penultimate flight.

Cogans Lake, an 11/4 chance to follow-up his Limerick Christmas success was ultimately eased on the run-in to beat the market-leader, Night Bridge by five lengths.

Allen (21) lost the right to claim with his win on Strong Project. He can still draw the allowance over the weekend before competing on level terms.

Eric McNamara and Brian Byrnes, trainer and rider of Marhaba Million, got compensation later on when the luckless Ponmeoath finally got off the mark in the maiden hurdle.

He again looked set for minor honours away from the second last hurdle but the 5/4 favourite stayed on strongly on the run-in to catch and pass Safe Deposit.

Leodotcom was ?gifted' a race at this venue in November with the independent departures of disputing leaders two out and her luck was in again in the opener.

Revue, fifteen lengths clear and an assured winner, dived at the last under Andrew McNamara crumpling to the ground, leaving Hasanpour in front.

Leodotcom, left second, got the better of a tired Hasanpour on the run-in under Barry Geraghty, to credit Limerick-trainer, Noreen Hayes with a most fortuitous victory.

Davy Russell, in third place in the jockey's standings, rode winner number 51 of the campaign on Highglen for Pat Fahy in the novice hurdle.

Making virtually all, the Old Vic gelding was ridden clear after two out on the way to a comfortable two and a half length win over favourite, Bog Oak.

Former top amateur rider, Philip Dempsey notched up his first winner as a trainer under Rules as Rossdee Lad (backed at bigger odds in the morning) took the claiming riders handicap hurdle under Kevin Coleman.

Strong-favourite for the bumper, Conem, didn't let his supporters down, coming home in front by an easy six lengths in the hands of Nina Carberry for Willie Austin.