Wind too strong at Clonmel

Martin Brassil's Silent Wind under Ruby Walsh, capitalised on a no-going day from 8/11f Meadow Vale to win the John Costigan Memorial Novice Hurdle at Clonmel in runaway fashion.

Walsh sent Silent Wind(7/4 2f) into a clear lead from the start, while Meadow Vale never jumped well and was eventually pulled up.

Meadow Vale's rider Robert McCarth later reported his mount jumped poorly and never travelled while the gelding was later reported, by the verterinary surgeon, to be clinically abnormal.

Winning trainer Brassil later reported "Silent Wind made the running when he won at Ballinrobe three runs ago and he seemed to enjoy it. Apart from Meadow Vale, he was well ahead of the rest on ratings and was entitled to win."

He added "he needs goodish ground and if the ground stays good, we might go for another novice hurdle."