Pace-setting Tiger gets Cooper a 1st Weld win

Grecian Tiger maintained his remarkable unbeaten record 'from the front' when making virtually all to win the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse today, providing jockey Bryan Cooper with his first winner for training legend Dermot Weld.

Grecian Tiger, a son of Tiger Hill, had previously set off to make the running just twice in 22 outings, winning from the front in a Gowran flat maiden in 2013 and a Listowel maiden hurdle two months ago.

Today Cooper set a strong pace and while briefly joined in the closing stages, ran on strongly to the line for a four and a quarter lengths win over Akito

Afterwards Cooper, completing a double on the day having steered Wrath Of Titans earlier, stated "he's tough and fit. Plan A was to jump out and make it and Plan B was to drop in, and Plan A worked. He was off the bridle from the third last, and the second horse did me a favour and gave me something to aim at. He'll get further.

"I had a ride for Mr Weld a few years ago, and that's my first winner for him."

By Tom Weekes, quotes from Alan Magee