Purse Price makes breakthrough in good style

The consistent Purse Price overturned a major gamble on Charlie Buckett in the opening auction maiden hurdle at Thurles.

Charlie Buckett was backed at all rated down from 7/2 to 5/4 favourite and set his stall out early to make all over this extended 1m7f.

His backers may have got anxious approaching the home bend as Donagh Meyler started to niggle him along and their fears were realised when Purse Price was produced to pick him off two out. The new leader jumped it better than Charlie Buckett who soon gave best and dropped away to finish fifth.

Purse Price, who was very easy-to-back from 11/10 to 7/4, sailed right away between the final flights two flights and ran on for a decisive 16-length success for Gordon Elliott. Sharetheknowledge (50/1) came through for a remote second, half a length up over On Lovers Walk (11/4).

Jockey Jack Kennedy said: "It was a weak maiden hurdle, but she had been consistent and did it well today. It looked a nice opportunity, so was good to get her head in front.

"She travelled, jumped well and put the race to bed - it all went to plan. Hopefully there'll be another race or two to be won with her and she can also get confidence from today.

"It is nice for Pioneer Racing who are big supporters of the yard and great to get another winner for them."

Purse Price had been placed in seven of her previous 12 hurdle races before making the breakthrough today.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes