Plinth gets up to deny the favourite Grozny The Aidan O’Brien trained Plinth got up in the dying strides to claim the opener at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Paddy Power iPad App 3yo Maiden Hurdle. The son of Montjeu, who was one from nine on the level, was making his hurdling debut here, and he was sent off a 3/1 chance under Tony McCoy in the silks of JP McManus. Despite making a mistake at the last, the bay gelding kept on best on the run-in, getting up close home to deny the even money favourite Ivan Grozny, for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins, by a head. Moss Street under Bobby McNally for Gordon Elliott finished a further length and a half back in third at 14/1. Aidan O'Brien said afterwards: "He is a horse that JP always liked and it was a lovely first run (over hurdles). "He was a little bit green but he quicken up well. He has had a spell up with Con and Robbie Power (to help with his jumping) and it is nice to have a winner here for JP." Afterwards Boylesports introduced both Plinth and Ivan Gronzy at 25/1 for the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham in March. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
