Espresso proves class act in novice Espresso Milan justified his short price with a convincing success in the WT O’Grady & EJ O’Grady Memorial Irish EBF Novice Hurdle at Thurles. The Willie Mullins-trained gelding went to post 5/6 favourite and was held up by Paul Townend in the early stages of the two-mile-six contest. The Milan gelding challenged between horses two from home and was soon sent to the front. Smooth performance from Espresso Milan He was nicely on top when producing a fine leap at the last and went on to post a four-length success over Minella Emperor. Espresso Milan was following up on his maiden hurdle win, over two miles, at Punchestown last month. "He is a smashing horse and, with him, it is the old cliche that whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus. He even jumps hurdles like a chaser, but we won't leave behind his hurdling career either,” said Townend. Townend eyes step up to top level "I was able to put him where I wanted, he did things nicely, the trip was no bother and he could go to three miles. He is a fine horse. "He'd have to improve again to win at the top level, but he has probably earned a crack at one of them now. “We'll find out then where we are, but the bit I loved most today was the way he travelled through the race." Paddy Power made the winner 14/1 (from 20/1) for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
