Warrior much the best in Clonmel's 2nd Upped in trip, racing on better ground and with cheek-pieces deployed Black Warrior (9/2 into 7/2) dished out a comprehensive beating to his rivals in the Clonacody (C & G) Maiden Hurdle. The Davy Russell-ridden Black Warrior was one of several fancied for this extended two mile three furlong contest, with eventual 6/4 favourite Munstead Pride popular from when markets commented on Clonmel's second. Four of them still held chances at the second last but Black Warrior powered away from before the last to see off Walkers Point by eleven lengths. "His bumper form was pretty good but he then lost his way and had a few problems. We weren't sure if we had him back or not," said winning trainer Charles Byrnes. "The good ground definitely helped and he'll obviously be kept going for the summer and could go for a winners' of one." The winning syndicate, the Milkers grouping, are five farmers who live locally to Byrnes. B.J. Geraghty, rider of My Matador trained by E. J. O'Grady, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly during this race. (TW & EM)
