Rashaan digs deep to edge Tipperary thriller

Smart hurdler Rashaan edged a thrilling finish for the Tipperary Perpetual Cup Handicap at Clonmel this evening.

Colin Kidd 's charge, who has found life tough in Grade 1 events over timber at Aintree and Punchestown on his last two outings, made a successful switch back to the level in the two-miler.

He was sent to post the 7/4 favourite and tracked front-runner Coolfighter in the early stages.

Niall McCullagh sent his mount to the front turning for home but he was headed by St Lawrence Gap two furlongs from home.

The market leader soon got back on terms and there was nothing between the pair in the closing stages. A bob of the heads gave Rashaan a head verdict over the 20/1 shot. Henry's Girl had also stayed on to press the front pair in the closing stages and finished half a length back in third.

"He's tough as teak and to think he ran in the Punchestown Champion Hurdle on Friday - we know from last summer that he takes his racing so well, he is brilliant,” said Kidd.

"He was only third entering the final furlong and just ground it out and never knows when he is beaten.

"He loves that ground and it's the key to him - that family all want that ground.

"He's not a Royal Ascot horse as we travelled him to Aintree and didn't settle in over there and didn't eat or drink. He ran unbelievably well considering he didn't settle in but we won't travel him again.

"There are plenty of big staying handicaps for him at home and the obvious race that comes to mind for him is the Amateur Handicap at Galway and he also has the option of one or two hurdle races also."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)