Robinstown and Jordan Gainford© Photo Healy Racing
Cian Collins, successful with Diegos Way at Bangor on Tuesday, sent out his second winner in the space of 48 hours as Robinstown made a successful reappearance in the www.grahamnorris.com Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.
The Stowaway gelding won a Navan maiden hurdle for Gordon Elliott last year and was having his first run here for rookie trainer Collins after a six-month break.
The 16/1 chance was prominent throughout but appeared up against it as Bay Ambition travelled well to lead off the home turn.
However, that rival came under pressure after a mistake at the second last and Robinstown rallied to lead at the last before staying on strongly under Jordan Gainford to score by a length and a half. Time Marches On took the runner-up spot with Bay Ambition weakening a further two and a half lengths away in third.
Collins said, "He is a tough horse who just gallops all day and could be one for a Pertemps Qualifier at Punchestown next month. Jordan was very good on him.
"I had him point to pointing and then Gordon (Elliott) had him so it is great to get him back and to win first time out.
"I'm delighted with how the horses are running and I have about 12 horses to run during the winter."
Collins only took out a training licence four months ago after his riding career was cut short with a serious neck injury and he's enjoyed two big wins with Effernock Fizz including the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las earlier this month.
Quotes by Tom Weekes
