Gran Torino enjoys transition to hurdling Gran Torino (backed from 13/2 in a place this morning into 100/30) landed a gamble in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle with Paul Carberry's mount coming out best in a rousing finish to the two and a quarter miler at Thurles. Down In Neworleans had every chance when flattening the final flight and losing his hind legs and that left Gran Torino to come through and fend off Oscars Well on the run-in. Winning trainer Noel Meade said of his three time bumper placed son of Milan: "He disappointed a few times in bumpers. I'm delighted if a little surprised to win today. "He jumped great which is a big help and he is a real chaser in the making." Eamon McElroy, the successful owner, enjoyed success in the past with Afistfullofdollars, a six time winner including when he landed the 2008 Bobbyjo Chase.
