Emperor rules supreme for McManus J P McManus’ familiar colours were back in the winners’ enclosure for the second time in the space of half-an-hour as Noble Emperor took the INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle in commanding fashion. McManus also took the opener narrowly with Moonlight Boy but this six-year-old son of Spadoun really filled the eye. Mark Walsh sent him to the front approaching the penultimate flight, and the 6/4 favourite drew clear to beat outsider Drumacoo by 13 lengths. Royal Vic set a solid pace in front which had the 17-runner field well strung out after halfway, and he kept on to take third spot. Surprisingly Noble Emperor was allowed to go off at 16/1 when taking a bumper in fine style at Navan last month, and was subsequently purchased by McManus. Winning trainer Tony Martin said, “He did it grand, and is a big old fashioned type of horse. We were going to start him off in point-to-points but decided to give him a shot at a bumper instead. “His next run depends on what way the ground goes up above (Fairyhouse and Punchestown), and he may go chasing next season.” Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
