Morris bridges lengthy gap with Magnier

Clear championship leader Davy Russell recorded a double on the afternoon at Thurles as Last Man Standing justified favouritism in the Holycross Maiden Hurdle.

Russell, successful earlier on the card in the two-mile maiden hurdle aboard 5/4 favourite Or Jaune De Somoza sent the 2/1 market leader to the front entering the home straight.

The Mouse Morris-trained gelding settled the issue with a fine jump at the last as Caro Des Flos finished well in this near three-mile event to get within two lengths at the line.

There was a ten lengths gap back to Therellalwaysbeone in third.

Morris said, "He is learning every day and is a next year horse really. I'll give him another run somewhere and he's ok - he'll do me. My last winner for Mr Magnier was Attitude Adjuster (ridden by Ted Walsh to win the Foxhunters Chase in 1986)."

(TW & AM)