Elliott saddles half of field in Thurles feature Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud are responsible for half of the six-runner field in the Thurles Racecourse Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle on Thursday. Blow By Blow has yet to recapture the form that carried him to Punchestown Champion INH Flat Race glory in 2016, although he will appreciate the drop to Grade Three company after struggling in the Naas Grade One won by Next Destination. In contrast, Gun Digger has his sights raised following a decisive Down Royal win, while Roaring Bull is the third runner for Gigginstown and Elliott, who has decided to fit him with cheekpieces. Articulum and Sympa Des Flos both pulled up here a month ago and have something to prove now, with the line-up completed by the Jessica Harrington-trained Navan scorer Not Many Left. Harrington's novice Jett takes on more seasoned opposition in the Thurles Racecourse Supporters Club Rated Chase, although he was third behind Footpad in a Grade One on his penultimate appearance. Last year's winner Westerner Point returns on the back of a narrow Fairyhouse triumph, and Grade Two winner Mallowney and John Ryan's grand servants Kilcarry Bridge and Kylecrue are in the mix too. Kate Appleby Shoes came up short in Grade Two company here last month, but Willie Mullins drops her in class for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Chase. Magic Of Light was a couple of positions ahead of her in second, but has since been found wanting in handicap company at the Dublin Racing Festival. Castlebrook came from the pointing field with a big reputation and while he has hit the crossbar twice since running under Rules, plenty will keep the faith in the Killinan Maiden Hurdle. Moskovite did it well on her sole start between the flags and goes to post for the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Flat Race, while Sir Carno attempts to supplement his Punchestown victory in the Thurles Handicap Hurdle.
