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Review thurles 24th Feb

Thu 24th Feb 2011, 18:50

< Hidden Cyclone ploughed through the Thurles mud to secure his third Graded-race triumph of the campaign in the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle.

John Hanlon's 13-8 chance looked likely to run away with the prize turning for home under Andrew McNamara, but Pineau De Re made a race of it before Hidden Cyclone eventually got on top for a two-and-a-half-length success.

"Andrew felt he didn't like the track, and that they didn't go fast enough," said Hanlon.

"I said beforehand that this would be it for the season but I'll have to discuss plans again with the owners as I'd like to get his jumping better. It's possible he could go to Navan for a novice next month."

The Dessie Hughes-trained veteran In Compliance (13-2) produced a superb round of jumping to secure his first victory for some time in the Cashel Chase.

Given a positive ride by Paddy Flood, the 11-year-old held a big advantage for much of the contest and the late fall of favourite Quiscover Fontaine ensured an easy victory.

"He was not really right last year, and it was hard to keep weight on him," said Hughes.

"He seems to be back to himself, and we put the blinkers on today to sharpen him up. He jumped around Aintree last year in the Topham, and will go for the National now."

Paul Nolan's 11-1 shot Aura About You took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Beginners Chase.

"We were worried before the last day that she was not sparkling in her work. Whatever that run did for her last time, she's been sparkling since," said Nolan.

"We were thinking of packing her off to stud before that. Jumping is the main thing with her, and she may go now for the Grade Three Dawn Run Mares Novice Chase at Limerick on March 13."< Another Flutter (16-1) was a surprise winner of the Ballycahill Beginners Chase, while Willie Mullins and Paul Townend were once again on the mark as 8-13 market leader Celtic Folklore claimed the Killinan Maiden Hurdle.