O'Brien on the mark over hurdles

Concrete And Clay provided Charles O’Brien with a rare winner over hurdles when taking the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Gowran Park.

The eight-year-old gelding asserted under Matty Bowes between the final two flights, and kept on gamely on the run-in to hold the challenge of Ghareer (7/1).

The 5/1 winner had three lengths to spare at the line, with the same distance back to 7/2 joint favourite Golanbrook in third. The other joint favourite, Szabo’s Destiny, appeared beaten when unseating Danny Benson at the penultimate flight.

Charles O’Brien was represented by his travelling head lad Gerry Abbott who said, “He got lost a bit at Fairyhouse the last day but finished well. I don’t know where he’ll go next.

“But he’s the oldest horse in the yard and is a real favourite.”