Evesham Road, far side, clears the final flight© Photo Healy Racing
A lovely jump at the last sealed the colts and geldings' maiden hurdle in Clonmel for Evesham Road
The six-year-old Malinas gelding was bang there in contention after three out and travelled well to serve it up to narrow leader Napper Tandy two out.
Evesham Road used the inside to get past Napper Tandy racing to the last and popped it very well.
He was driven out by Philip Byrnes to win by a length and a half at 5/1 having been much bigger this morning. He was backed from 10/1 to 5/1 at the track.
Runner-up Napper Tandy drifted out to 28/1 from 11/1 and was half a length in front of Power Hour (3/1).
Trainer Charles Byrnes said: "I didn't have him in point-to-points, but the owners have been with me on and off for a long time and he ran well in Mallow, in a point-to-point bumper (fourth on debut for the stable).
"He was getting the allowance today and is brilliant to jump. He is a grand, fun horse and I'd say he will be kept going. I'd say 2m4f is his ideal trip and as time goes on he might stay better. He was a grand horse to get."
Regarding yesterday's Gowran Park run from Ellaat (fourth), and resulting penalties, he added: "I haven't made up my mind yet whether to appeal or not - I have three days to make the decision.
"I'm very disappointed with the decision to find me guilty as I clearly stated I wasn't happy with the ride.
"The horse is valueless after it (suspended until August 8) as he is a summer horse. It is what it is, but I don't know at the moment."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
