Pet proves strongest Mick Darcy gave Claire Pet a strong drive as he asserted in the closing stages to land the Demesne Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel. Corporate Box tried to make all in the two-and-a-half mile contest but couldn't hold Claire Pet, who came through to tackle the front-runner at the second last. A better jump at the last saw Claire Pet gain the advantage and he pulled away on the run-in for a two-and-three-quarter length success. The 11/2 winner, trained by New Ross handler Gordon Doyle, had run with promise at Gowran last time when just fading in the closing stages. Point-to-point recruit Moores Road was sent off the 9/4 favourite put couldn't pick up turning for home and finished a moderate fourth. “He'll be better on better ground and maybe over further,” commented Doyle, who was saddling his third winner. (Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
