Choosing between mounts can often be a tricky call for jockeys, and Barry Geraghty's choice to partner McGruders Cross in the most interesting event of the day at Thurles yesterday, the two mile six novice hurdle, proved to be the wrong option.
However, as the runners levelled up to face two out, the decision to ride the market leader looked likely to pay dividends, but before the final flight it was clear that the trip was going to prove too much of a strain on the five-year-old's stamina.
Instead, Moscow Court who Geraghty could have partnered for Jessica Harrington, arrived to lead before the last and showed great reserves of staying power to run out a convincing three and a half length victor under Tommy Treacy.
The winning handler remarked in the aftermath 'he's a tall horse and I don't think he was fit enough the last day. He stays great and he's going to make some chaser next year'.
Francois Cottin trained his second winner when Jeu De Brook took the opening beginners chase under Philip Carberry. Always to the fore, the 14/1 chance was left to make the rest after a nasty incident where leader, Tango Pasion fell, bringing down two others at the fourth fence.
Cottin admitted that he thought his charge had the ability to go close though he was concerned beforehand that there wasn't enough 'cut' in the ground. There aren't any plans for the winner, but he does hold an engagement in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Newratking was confidently expected to make it a hat trick of wins in the handicap chase, going off an even money favourite. However he was struggling from a fair way out and despite making ground on the approach to straight, Charles Byrnes' charge never really looked like winning.
It was left to 25/1 outsider, Count Rossini, who made all at a good gallop and battled back on the run in after being headed away from two out, ultimately crossing the line a length to the good.
Twice a winner 'between the flags', Sean Aherne, winning trainer attributed the wearing of blinkers for the first time as a reason for the improved performance. Successful pilot Ian Power was teaming up with the stable for the first time.
There wasn't much relief for punters in the maiden hurdle. Here, in a hot looking heat, 33/1 shot Ela Marathona sprung a surprise, Edwina Finn's charge lasting out on the run in for a neck victory under 7Ib claimer, Mark Walsh who was recording his seventh winner. Rider of the favourite, War Of Attrition (7th), reported to the stewards that his mount stumbled and lost his footing entering the back straight.
Charlie Swan plans to remain 'low key for the time being' with Oh Be The Hokey who took the two mile two maiden hurdle. David Casey's mount galloped on in good style up the straight to come out best of a three-way battle from the turn in. The winning handler attributed the 8Ib received from the winners in the field as a contributory factor in achieving the success.
Bookmakers eventually had a result go against them when Spiralbound made virtually all in the long distance handicap hurdle. Supported from 3/1 into 9/4 favouritism, Eamonn Sheehy's runner came home a four length winner under Keith Hadnett and could now be launched on a career over fences.
Action concluded when Philip Fenton teamed up with Tipperary permit holder, Jonah Wragg, whose Brave Pilgrim ran out an 8/1 winner of the bumper on his debut.
