Thunder best after dramatic conclusion There was a dramatic outcome to the I.N.H. Stallion Owners European Breeders Fund Maiden Hurdle as the favourite Urano (11/8) came down before the final hurdle when coming to deliver his challenge at Thurles. The French-bred (Ruby Walsh up) appeared to clip the heels of Oscar Fiain. Both came away from the nasty tumble relatively unscathed. On the run-in the Davy Russell partnered second favourite Thunder And Roses got the better of the aforementioned Oscar Fiain by a length. Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said of the Gigginstown House Stud-owned five-year-old: "It was way overdue to win his maiden hurdle. He's really a chaser but we'll look for a three mile conditions hurdle for him next. Hopefully he'll win a three mile hurdle before he goes over fences." The Stewards enquired into an incident on the approach to the final hurdle involving Oscar Fiain, ridden by B.T. O'Connell, placed second and Urano (FR), ridden by R. Walsh, unseated rider, where it appeared Urano (FR) clipped a heel and unseated R. Walsh. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion the incident was accidental and took no further action. Philip M. Byrne, trainer of Springtown, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge was struck into and was pulled up. (TW & EM)
