Pinkerton makes it two from two on hurdling debut

Noel Meade's Pinkerton made it two from two when scoring on his hurdling debut at Thurles this afternoon.

The Ocovango gelding won on his racecourse bow when landing a Down Royal bumper on St Stephen's Day and got off to the perfect start over jumps.

Sean Flanagan produced the 5/2 shot to lead over the second last in the opening Red Mills Auction Maiden Hurdle, run over just shy of two miles.

10/11 favourite John Cannon tried to rally down to the last flight but Pinkerton quickened up smartly on the run-in to settle matters and post a three-length winning margin.

"He didn't get sold to anybody and is my own as he got held up and went lame behind. I don't know what he did and we sent him everywhere and nobody could find what was wrong. I left him off for nearly a year and he came sound and that's now two runs and two wins,” revealed Meade.

"He has been doing things right at home and we were pretty sweet on him.

"He probably wants further and had the option of going to Gowran (on Thursday) but I was concerned the ground could become awful sticky. He is a nice horse and is going the right way.

"We'll aim for the Final as we have to get a few quid back somewhere!"

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)