Man shows his Tough side to score for Roche

The 8/1 shot Tough Talkin Man put in a determined display, making virtually all to win the GAA Supporters Day 20th May Handicap Hurdle for Co Kilkenny trainer Seamus Roche with Mick Darcy in the saddle.

The 8yo chestnut son of Bob's Return was having his fifth run in handicap company this afternoon having finished second on two occasions in them in the past.

He had won his maiden hurdle at Roscommon in September of 2010.

After running well last time out at Tramore to finish second behind Magnetic Force he managed to turn the tables on that rival today, staying on best under pressure to score by a length and a half at the line.

The 7/2 favourite Golden Ticket (backed from 6/1 this morning and 4/1 on course) finished second for Christy Roche and Alan Crowe while In A Nutshell was a further half a length back in third at 12/1 for Davy Russell and Charles Byrnes.

Magnetic Force finished back in fourth while Mark Me Up for Philip Rothwell and Declan Bates fell at the second last when still in with every chance.

Winning trainer Seamus Roche said afterwards: "He had been sick at times but he was right today.

"He is a summer horse and will probably go for a similar race now before heading to the sales at Doncaster on the 28th and 29th of May."

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes