Gordon Dai Dai and James Hannon© Photo Healy Racing
Gordon Dai Dai powered clear on the run to the last to claim the opening amateur rider maiden hurdle in fine style at Clonmel this afternoon.
11/10 shot Fameaftertheglory went to post a warm order in the two-mile-three contest and jumped into the lead three from home.
He was joined early in the straight by Gordon Dai Dai and Liam Burke's charge edged ahead at the second last.
James Hannon asked his mount to assert going to the final flight and the Buck's Boum gelding soon opened up, going on to post a four-and-a-quarter length success.
The winner had taken a Galway bumper on his debut last year and had run with credit in a couple of maiden hurdles this term, most recently when fourth to Uhtred at Naas last month.
Burke said afterwards:- "He had a good run the last day but the trip suited him today and we probably rode him more forcefully other days.
“Listowel was actually good ground and he didn't see it out on the day (when fifth).
"He always promised to be good and he jumped well and James gave him a perfect ride.
"The plan is to fiddle away with him and go for a rated novice hurdle."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
