Face Value beats Taglietelle© Photo Healy Racing
< Face Value sprang a surprise in the Quirke uPVC Windows (Clonmel) Tipperary Perpetual Cup Handicap, the feature event at Clonmel on Thursday evening.
Having returned at Sligo on Sunday, the Adrian McGuinness-trained seven-year-old showed the benefit of the pipe-opener as he thwarted the late challenge of 6-4 favourite Taglietelle with a length and a quarter to spare.
Ross Coakley sent the 10-1 winner well clear in the early stages and those tactics proved inspired as Gordon Elliott's charge was left with too much to do as he stayed on for second.
David Wachman's fine run of form continued as Wooden Heart (10-3) made a winning debut in the Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Fillies Maiden.
The Montjeu filly took it up from pacesetter Athloman Cottage inside the final two furlongs and kept on well to a record an impressive three-length verdict over Krissy's Kisses < Brown Bee put her experience to good use when making all in the West Gate Median Auction Maiden.
Making her sixth racecourse appearance, the 4-1 chance was soon in front under Shane Foley and although pushed hard by Sight Hound Ger Lyons' filly held on by a short head.< Highly Toxic s next outing could be in Group company after he justified 1-2 favouritism with authority in the Fethard Maiden.
Pat Flynn's charge came home a length and three-quarters clear of Tetraites but there was no such joy for favourite-backers in the Ladies Evening At Clonmel Races May 21st Handicap.< Qatea was sent off at odds of 4-7 and John Oxx's gelding was battling it out with Uno Voce up the home straight when Nice Vintage powered down the outside to win going away by three lengths from the latter.
Pat Smullen got on the scoresheet when partnering Breenainthemycra (7-4fav) to a comfortable three-length success over Rockview Emperor in the Free Admission For Ladies May 21st Handicap.< Balkinstown (7-2fav) edged out Circe's Island by a short head in the closing Main Guard Handicap.
