Cyclone storms home

Hidden Cyclone confirmed the high reputation he's held in by connections by taking the two and a half mile Grade 2 Synergy Security Solutions Novice Hurdle.

Andrew McNamara elected to send the Stowaway gelding to the front after a slow early gallop, and he gained a vital four length advantage when quickening clear approaching the final flight.

This proved important as he lost significant ground with a slow jump at the last. However the 7/4 favourite did find plenty under pressure on the run-in for McNamara to beat Ballyhaunis by two lengths, with Si C'Etait Vrai another three lengths adrift in third.

Winning trainer John "Shark" Hanlon said, “We schooled him since the last day and he jumped pretty well. We wanted to get a lead but they were not going quick enough and Andrew did the right thing by going on. He won't ever go back in trip again. I'll have to talk it over with the owners but I'm not overly keen on going to Cheltenham. He needs cut in the ground, and I hope he'll make a top class chaser. He'll probably have one more run this season.”