Clonmel Chu Chu Thomas' favourite stop

You couldn't exactly say he was convincing for a 6/4 chance but Chu Chu Thomas superiority at the line wasn't in doubt as he made it back to back course and distance wins at Clonmel in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle under Harley Dunne.

Lucky here a fortnight back, the Blueprint gelding needed no intervention from the racing gods on this occasion as he slugged it out best from two out to beat off Short Grass and Do The Bookies by two and three parts of a length and three and three parts of a length.

Bill Harney owns and trains Chu Chu Thomas and he commented: "He did that well. If he gets decent ground this winter he might collect another one. He didn't really like that ground.

"I intended to give him just one run over hurdles when he came back (after a lengthy break) and then go chasing. When I saw his rating though we had to give hurdling a go.

"I never met him (Harley Dunne) until today but he looks the real deal and he could be very good. That was his first ride for me." (TW & EM)