Westerner Point and Philip Enright© Photo Healy Racing
Westerner Point landed a morning price gamble at Clonmel when taking the Lisronagh Maiden Hurdle in the hands of Phillip Enright.
Quotes of 5/1 early this morning were quickly snapped up and Eoghan O'Grady's charge was further supported on track from 9/4 into 2/1 favourite.
The six-year-old gelding was ridden up with the pace throughout, and asserted after two out for Enright.
He was driven out on the run-in to prevail by a length and a half from Frankie Ballou with the always prominent Run Hurricane another four and a quarter lengths back in third.
O'Grady said, "He came back to his Thurles bumper run and had his ideal conditions over two miles, on soft ground and in that grade.
"We decided to make plenty use of him today and we'll see what mark he gets now before making a plan. He needs soft ground so will be left off later in the season."
Enright said, "He jumped well the last day and came on for the experience over hurdles. Eoghan just told me to jump out and be positive on him. He said he'll keep galloping and don't be afraid to stretch them down the hill."
(TW & AM)
