Toor General makes the breakthrough Toor General got a deserved win to his name, as he took the Service Matters Handicap Hurdle under Davy Russell for Tony Martin. Third in an extremely-competitive contest at Leopardstown last Christmas, he again had to settle for minor honours at Kilbeggan in June. He then disappointed on his next start at Gowran, before being placed on his most recent effort Limerick in July. Sent off an 11/2 joint-favourite this afternoon, the chestnut seven-year-old was settled in mid-division by Russell. He was switched to the outer and took closer order approaching three out, before coming with his challenge at the last. He was ridden to the front in the final 150 yards, and went on from there to prevail by a length and a half. A Place Apart (16/1) finished a good second under Ger Fox for Gavin Cromwell, while the consistent Rathnaleen Girl (10/1) was another three parts of a length back in third. Grand Canyon was the other joint-favourite, and he finished fourth. Martin said afterwards: "A great man owns him, James Nash (from Scarriff, Co Clare), and he's been threatening to do that for a while. He hasn't ran that often but is a horse that needs time between races. "He jumps well and hopefully could develop into a real nice chaser next year. He goes on good ground, and his jumping was very good and slick today." STEWARDS REPORTS * The Stewards fined J.A. Nash, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Comehere Hi, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of horse name in accordance with the provisions of Rule 90 (iv). * The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Trenchtown Rock, trained by V. T. O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have sustained a cut to its left fore leg. Additional reporting by Alan Magee
