Cloudy Morning comes good early evening

Clonmel punters rounded off the day in style as Cloudy Morning justified strong support in the Powerstown Demesne (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle.

The eight-year-old gelding has been frustrating to follow since gaining his only previous success here well over two years ago, and jockey plans had to be changed at the last minute as trainer Declan Queally explained.

"I hurt myself at Kieran Purcell's schooling this morning and wasn't able to ride him . I've to go for x-rays on my back tomorrow.

"He bumped into one last week and Roger was brilliant on him today."

The well-backed 11/4 favourite (from 9/2) challenged before two out, and stayed on well on the run-in for Roger Quinlan to beat Neddyvaughan by two and a three quarter lengths.

There was a ten lengths gap back to Granny Biddy in third, with Wee Small Hours in fourth.

Queally added, "He's in at Wexford on Monday. He's a tough little horse and will run if he's ok.

"I have him three months and am taking more of a role with the training of my father's horses now, having had five point-to-point winners last season."

(TW & AM)