Tolka Row opens account on second handicap start Pulled up on his handicap debut earlier this month, the David O'Brien trained Tolka Row made amends when staying on strongly to record a first career success in the Tote Guarantee, Never Beaten By SP Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick. Placed in both point-to-points and a Tramore maiden hurdle, the lightly raced six-year-old got off the mark on just his fifth ever run. Pushed along in mid division after three out, the gelding closed on the leaders to go third jumping the penultimate flight. Ridden to go second early in the straight, Tolka Row headed Nakassama over 100 yards out, staying on well to score by one-and-a-half lengths. David O'Brien said: "I was just amazed (to get in) - at 7 this morning, in fairness, one of the Fahey's rang me to say he (Typical Thomas) wasn't running, and he didn't think that Noel Meade was running (first-reserve Mickey Cohen). Gordon's secretary rang then (Elliott, second-reserve Fabhcun). We said we better head on! "He had a great run in Tramore and then really disappointed (in Bellewstown), but I just think they over-watered and he got stuck in it. Cian Quirke said he was just labouring all the way. Maybe it was his first handicap, and everything was happening a bit quick. "He stays well and I'd say three miles for him. For a big-bodied horse, it is amazing that he loves a bit of good ground. "He's a wicked hardy horse, he takes his work. I think more Tramore, my local track, and those type of tracks. We'll see what the handicapper does." Quotes by Michael Graham.
