Grand Mogul © Photo Healy Racing
Grand Mogul proved easy to back in the concluding bumper at Thurles but got the job done in good style for Jamie Codd and Gordon Elliott.
The Presenting gelding had shaped with promise when fourth in a Punchestown bumper on his sole start back in April.
He had traded as short as 4/6 this morning but went to post a 11/8 shot in the two-mile contest.
The favourite was produced to lead two furlongs from home, by Codd, and he galloped on strongly inside the final furlong to post an eight length winning margin over Young Dev
"His first run in Punchestown was very good and he was a bit green that day and he still showed he is a little green there,” said Codd.
“He's going to be a lovely horse over a trip and he is a gorgeous horse.
"He is a jumping horse and a trip over hurdles is what he wants. It was an early Christmas present!"
There was drama after half a mile when the leader Conflated another Elliott runner, cocked his jaw and ran out on the bend, unseating Lisa O'Neill. The rider was none the worse for the spill.
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
