Ernie From Nurney is ridden out by Peter Smithers© Photo Healy Racing
Back over flights for the first time since May of last year, Ernie From Nurney registered a breakthrough success in the Owners Insurance Included In AIRO Membership Handicap Hurdle.
Tried over fences on his last two starts, the Padraig Roche-trained seven-year-old was third at Thurles on his most recent outing.
Sent off a 15/2 chance this afternoon (touched 11s early), the son of Dylan Thomas was given a patient ride by Peter Smithers in this 25-runner affair
Making progress on the outer from the third last, the bay victor was right in contention on the approach to the final flight and was soon ridden into a narrow lead, ultimately staying on best in the closing stages to prevail by two-and-a-half lengths.
Second on her most recent start, Chosen Shant (9/1) again had to settle for the runner-up spot, while reserve Red Striker (33/1) kept on well in the closing stages, finishing a neck away in third.
Returned a 9/2 joint-favourite, Coillte Aris and Paul Townend were another three-and-a-quarter lengths back in fourth, while Papa Barns the other joint-favourite who was backed from 10s, finished eighth.
"We've been waiting a while for that. A great bunch of lads own him (the Tribal Lily Syndicate) and I'm delighted for them as they've had patience," Roche commented.
"He's a massive big horse, 17 hands, and I'd say he's just maturing. He's starting to put a couple of runs together now whereas before he'd run one race and never back it up.
"I'd say he's after maturing over the summer. We'll just keep going now in those low grade races, he might pick up a chase or something.
"I'd say he'll go on any ground, he's versatile, as he ran well in the summer last year.
"He's a lad that wouldn't show you much pace at home but he travelled away well there so I'd say we'll stick to that trip."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
