Talbot Road being driven out to the line at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
A dramatic opening maiden hurdle at Leopardstown saw well backed 5/4 favourite Foxrock hampered at the first and unseat Ruby Walsh. Mala Beach also exited the race, but this time on the home bend when he crashed through the rail. Talbot Road (7/1 from 12s in the morning) stayed on stoutly after the last to beat Thunder And Roses (4/1) by two lengths with 25/1 shot Apache Jack back in third. Sizing Solution took the field along, but was headed by Thunder And Roses and Davy Russell coming to the second last. Talbot Road and Barry Cash tracked the leader to the last and powered away from it well.
“He won a point-to-point in April, but was only four in the middle of June. My son-in-law Kevin Ross bought him at the Derby sales,” trainer Arthur Moore said.
“We’ve always liked him from day one and he’s the best young horse we’ve had for a while. He’s our big hope for the future.
“He has a big heart and he showed that today. I know the two favourites were knocked out, but it was still a good performance. He’s only a baby.
“This was the plan, he came in from grass. He got no run in Fairyhouse and only got galloping when the race was over.
“He’s a chaser for the future. You can see the scope he has jumping. Hopefully this time next year he’ll be here for a good chase.”
Talbot Road has been introduced at 33/1 for the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival by bookmaker Stan James.
(Additional reporting by Gary Carson)
