Dreams proves sweeter than Milsean

There was another turn up in the second race at Thurles as Measureofmydreams toppled well regarded stable-mate Milsean in the WT O'Grady Memorial EBF Novice Hurdle.

It looked to be plain sailing for the 1/4 favourite as he cruised into the straight having made the running in the 2m6f contest.

Measureofmydreams was hard at work behind the hotpot but picked up in great style for Ruby Walsh going to the last.

The response from Milsean was disappointing and he couldn't live with the other Willie Mullins-trained runner in the closing stages.

Walsh kept the 4/1 shot going to record a two-length victory.

"That was a bit of a surprise - Bryan felt he had the race won and kicked on but Ruby's horse just stayed on better and maybe he (Measureofmydreams) is better than we thought," said Mullins afterwards.

"I thought he was well beaten coming across the top and he looked flat out. He's an improving sort."

"It's a bit of a surprise," admitted Walsh on Attheraces.

"On his homework he wouldn't beat Milsean. I don't know what happened to him as he had me cooked everywhere.

"He's a tough old horse and he kept going. In fairness his bumper form was very good and he was only beaten half a length by Martello Tower.

"He's a bit deceptive. He ran no race in Limerick. I think he'll be better over a fence than he is as a hurdler."

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)