Unflinching stays straight to win dramatic opener Unflinching knuckled down gamely to get the job done in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel. The free running Midtown Manhattan took them along in the two-mile-three contest but ran off the course turning for home. Unflinching was left in front, under Josh Williamson, but was soon pressed by Blue Johnl. A better jump two from home gave the Gigginstown gelding the advantage and when his rival blundered at the last it sealed matters as the Gordon Elliott-trained gelding went on to win by two-and-a-quarter lengths. "Te had the from having finished behind King Rasko Grey last season but it was a tricky race to ride in as Henry's (De Bromhead's Midtown Manhattan) went off so quick and I was flat out for most of the race,” said Williamson. "The leader was nearly on the outside wing coming down the hill so there was no other choice, but to stay to the inside. “My horse only came on the bridle when JJ (Slevin on Blue Johnl) came upsides at the second-last but put his head down then and was very good. "I'm sure he'll improve a bit from this but was fairly straight coming here today." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
