Toor Khov grinds out gutsy win in staying maiden hurdle

The Margaret Flynn trained Toor Khov showed plenty of stamina when staying on strongly under Liam Quinlan to win the Tipperary Maiden Hurdle at the Junction.

Fourth over half-a-mile shorter at this same track last month, the gelding appreciated stepping up to three miles for the first time in his career under rules.

Having been placed on four of his previous seven starts, the extra stamina test seemed to bring out more in the six-year-old here. Cadoudal Saint led the way for much of the race but weakened quickly approaching two out, as the finish developed into a match between Toor Khov and Pray Tell The latter had no more to give from the back of the last, as Toor Khov went on to win by a length-and-a-quarter.

Mags Flynn said: “I took him out on Saturday because the ground was too quick in Mallow. The step up in trip suited and he’s very honest.

“That ground is on the easy side of good and even a bit slower would do. He probably wouldn’t want deep winter ground.

“If he stays in good form then it will all depend on the ground if we keep going with him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.