Kovanis impressive in Clonmel opener The Gordon Elliott-trained Kovanis produced a smart front-running performance to land the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel this afternoon. The Tunis gelding jumped well at the head of affairs in the two-mile-three contest and a fine leap at the penultimate flight saw him nick a few lengths. He galloped on well for Jack Kennedy in the closing stages to post a five length success, at odds of 9/2. 7/4 favourite I Am Lorenzo plugged on late on to grab the runner-up spot. The Gigginstown-owned Kovanis, a Leopardstown bumper winner last Christmas, had been third on his hurdling debut at Punchestown last month. Assistant Lisa O’Neill said:- "That was nice. He needed the run and the experience the last day in Punchestown, but it was a probably hot maiden hurdle then. “He is a Leopardstown bumper winner so was entitled to win today and the step up in trip helped.  "Jack said he went through the ground really well and hopefully he can now win a couple of novice races through the season, as he handled winter ground. “I think stepping up further in trip will definitely be to his liking." Paddy Power made the winner 33/1 (from 50/1) for the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
