Hughes dominance in Michael Purcell goes on The late Dessie Hughes landed the Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle for the past three years, so it was more than fitting that his daughter Sandra would carry on the trend in 2015, with the Barry Geraghty-ridden Sub Lieutenant at Thurles. Gigginstown House Stud again emphasised what a lovely bunch of horses they possess, as their Sub Lieutenant, beat the other one in maroon and white, odds-on favourite Milsean. For good measure Ms Hughes also saddled the third home, Total Recall, but up front Sub Lieutenant (first-time cheek-pieces) quickly pounced on Milsean's last flight mistake, going on to triumph by five and a half lengths. It hasn't been Milsean's rider, Bryan Cooper's day thus far, as he was also second in the previous heat on Arnaud, having looked a likely winner too. "I was very disappointed with him at Leopardstown, and was a bit worried about the ground coming here, as we had thought he was a good ground horse. Barry (Geraghty) gave him a super ride though and was tough on him," said Ms Hughes. "The cheek-pieces really helped and he is as tough as old boots. "That's the fourth winner for Osborne Lodge in-a-row in the race-it's a bad sign when you're bringing the trophy in the back of the car to the races!" (TW & EM)
