Golfe Clair survives final flight blunder

Hurdling debutante Golfe Clair (7/4) survived a serious final flight error when winning Clonmel's Marlfield Opportunity Maiden Hurdle (div II) today, for jockey Hugh Morgan and trainer Joseph O'Brien.

Golfe Clair was clear jumping the final flight on a long stride and while almost slithering to a fall, had sufficient energy to remain upright and kept straight on landing, with well-balanced Morgan recovering as the pair beat Hophornbeam by 2.75L.

Morgan, who had taken a heavy fall from Saucy Yeats in the 35-minutes earlier race, later reported “he winged the second last and was long at the last but luck was on his side he stood up. He is very quick on his feet and still had plenty under him to pick up at the back of the last.

“There is plenty improvement in him, his jumping was still a little novicey and should sharpen up on that.

“It was nice performance, he is a lovely horse and it is great to have another winner for Joseph and to ride a winner for his sister Sarah.”