Tornado Cheltenham bound after novice win

One Cool Tornado battled gamely to land the spoils in the Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle at Listowel.

Ruby Walsh tracked leader Casey Top and sent his mount up to challenge at the second last.

The Paul Gilligan-trained gelding soon hit the front but had to work to gain the day and kept on to record a length-and-a-quarter success.

"We did fancy him here today but my only concern was that the Flat track might catch him out," said Gilligan afterwards.

"He's an improving horse and is tough out. I hope he keeps climbing the ladder and the plan is to run in the 2m5f race at Cheltenham in November - the race that Berties Dream ran in before.

"The long term plan is to go back to Cheltenham in March for either the Neptune Hurdle or the Albert Bartlett.

"I'd love to see Dancing Tornado follow up for his sire later (Golden Tornado). Donal Brazil (who also bred the winner) stands him near Portlaoise and he's very underrated."