Star Official different class to the opposition Top-weight Star Official scooted right away from his rivals to hack up in the Copper Coast Handicap Hurdle over an extended two-miles at Tramore. The 4/1 shot swept to the front two out and soon drew clear of his rivals. The race was over once he popped the last and he cruised in by 10 lengths for Danny Mullins. Nusra (10/3) came in a remote second and was half a length up on Dontdooddson (10/1). Dick Donohoe said: "I would have been disappointed if he wasn't competitive here. Most of his form is good. Naas wasn't as good the last day, but sure he had loads of good runs before that. He was a good third in Cork before Christmas in a good handicap hurdle and third again at Clonmel. "Someone was backing him today, but it wasn't me. He runs well most of the time, but hardly ever wins. "I'd say he'd jump a fence sooner rather than later, it'll get harder for him now with another penalty for this. He might go on the Flat too, he ran well on the Flat before." This was Star Official's first victory since a handicap hurdle at Thurles in October 2023, and his third career success in all including one on the Flat in Killarney the previous October. Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
