Eric McNamara?s Larkwing under a strong ride from Barry Geaghty, landed the featured Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary today.
The son of Ela-Mana-Mou raced prominently before eventually getting to the front on the run-in, staying on well for a two and a half length win over Definate Spectacle
Afterwards McNamara reported "we left him off after his last run at Cheltenham as we felt he had enough racing at that stage. We gelded him, he came back a fresh horse and this race was his aim for some time. Hopefully we can find a few more winning opportunities and he also can revert to the Flat."
Runner-up Definite Spectacle´s trainer Noel Meade later reported "the Galway Hurdle is definately the plan for Definate Spectacle and I was very happy with his run today."
Trainer Colm Murphy, meanwhile, was very pleased with the run of his fourth placed Megans Joy He stated "I was afraid coming here that she might need the run and she did. The plan is to go for the Galway Hurdle provided she comes out of this race well."
One horse which will avoid Galway completely is third-placed Jubilant Note His trainer Mick Murphy stated "Jubilant Note acts better on a flat track and Galway just doesn´t suit him. We´ll go to Tralee for a handicap hurdle instead."
Following the Tipperary race, Ladbrokes altered prices of two horses for the Galway Hurdle. Definite Spectacle was cut to 20/1 (from 25/1) and Megans Joy was cut to 16/1 (from 33/1).
Money has also come for John Kiely?s King Rama, who Ladbrokes now make their 8/1 (from 10/1) favourite for the Galway race.
