France appreciates step up in trip

Couleur France benefitted from a patient Paul Carberry ride to justify favouritism in the Thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding was far from fluent when runner-up to Sheamus (won again since) at Fairyhouse last month but put in an improved round of jumping here.

Carberry put the 11/10 market leader to sleep towards the rear for much of the two and three quarter miles trip, and only edged into contention approaching the straight.

Noel Meade 's chargeled between the final two flights and, with nearest rival Marvellous Moment hanging badly left after the last, came home a comfortable four and three quarter lengths clear.

The well-backed 9/4 second favourite Morney Wing was being driven along quite a way out by Adrian Heskin, and could only keep on onepaced a further two and three quarter lengths back in third.

Carberry said, “He travelled well enough the whole way and the longer trip helped. He was a bit awkward the last day and probably will be better going left-handed."

(TW & AM)