Cyclone blows strong in feature Hidden Cyclone made it five wins from six starts when landing the featured Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle in the hands of Andrew McNamara at Thurles. The 13/8 chance was just displaced from favouritism at the off by Bishopsfurze but that 6/4 shot already looked beaten as McNamara's mount settled down to battle it out with Pineau De Re early in the straight. Hidden Cyclone responded under pressure to get on top at the last, despite pricking his ears and appearing to idle. However he did proceed to hang left on the run-in before going on to score by two and a half lengths. Skorcher finished a further six lengths adrift in third, with Bishopsfurze fourth. Winning trainer John Hanlon said: “Andrew felt he didn't like the track, and that they didn't go fast enough. I said beforehand that this would be it for the season but I'll have to discuss plans again with the owners as I'd like to get his jumping better. It's possible he could go to Navan for a novice next month.”
