Piper leads them home

Magic Piper produced a fine front-running performance to land a nice touch in the second division of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Downpatrick.

Tom Gibney's charge, pulled up at Limerick last time, was backed from 14/1 into 5/1 for today's contest.

He jumped out in front, under Jack Foley, and galloped on strongly from the last when asked for an effort.

The Tobougg gelding went on to post a cosy 15-length verdict over 25/1 shot Frazel Express

Foley said: "He got a nice lead the whole way. In fairness to Thomas Gibney, he said to me 'buck out smart and see where he is comfortable'. He was comfortable in front all the way and he jumped well.

"We kind of only needed to use his jumping from the third last home. We were saving all the way and he was good. In fairness to him, the horse came to him going to the last and he pulled out again and he was tough all the way to the line. That bit of rain did no harm, everything suited today.

"I started out with Tom Mullins and he was great to me and gave me three quick winners on the track. He's very good to me and lets me ride most of his horses.

"I got asked to go to England and I went and gave it a go for a couple of weeks, but I'm more of a home bird and I'm happy in Tom Mullins' and that's where I will continue to stay."

Speaking later in Wexford, Gibney added: "He is a horse that has been disappointing. The handicapper was very hard on him at the start of his handicapping life. He was way too high. He has eventually got down to a winnable mark.

"Everything has to be right for him and today we felt Downpatrick would suit him and it worked out great.

"I'm really pleased for his owner Brian (Groarke) who has been an unbelievable patient man. It's great when fellas like that get the results they deserve because they don't always."

(Quotes by Michael Graham)