2.35 2m. 2f. 110yds. 4-y-o 15 Ran
Bet At Toals On-Course SP Shop M´dn H´dl of €8,500.00 4-y-o 1st - €5,873.50, 2nd - €1,445.00, 3rd - €680.00, 4th - €425.00

CRU and STROLLING HOME stretched clear from the final flight, with the former getting on top in the closing stages. The Willie Mullins-trained filly was well supported from 4/1 down to 5/2 favourite and, having been ridden up with the pace throughout, dug deep on the rain-softened ground (40mm of rain here in the past few days) as the leading pair came right away on the uphill climb to the line.

Strolling Home is considerably inferior to Cru on Flat ratings but the promise of his recent second in a similar event at Wexford was confirmed here, and a maiden victory is surely on the cards possibly on better ground.

CASTARA BAY was sent on early on the final circuit and, having looked well beaten before the final flight, kept on best of the remainder to take third place. This was a big step up on his previous two hurdle outings, and he's entitled to get a handicap mark now.

THOMAS SADLER looked like playing a big role on his hurdling debut at the penultimate flight but could not go with the leading pair from the last. This experience will stand him in good stead, and he should build on this display. RUDI'S ELEGANCE also dropped out tamely approaching the last, while FISTOULIG was the first beaten from a group of six that broke clear of the remainder two out.