Wood outstays rivals in three-miler The Alan Fleming-trained Massey's Wood stayed on best to claim the three-mile maiden hurdle at Thurles. Barry Connell's gelding had battled it out from before half-way with hotpot Castlebrook (4/9) and edged on from that rival turning for home. 20/1 shot The Conditional looked a big danger after jumping the penultimate flight but Denis O'Regan's mount found more over the last and galloped on for a two length victory. The 100/30 winner had finished fifth on his last two outings in strong maiden hurdles at Navan and Leopardstown and was giving away weight to the field today, having won a bumper at Listowel last September. "That was nice and Denis said he'd like a bit nicer ground and he seemed to enjoy the trip as well,” said Fleming. "He's a bumper and maiden hurdle winner now and I'm sure chases will be where his future lies. “I'll see what Barry wants to do now but I've no immediate plans for him although I might give him a little rest for a few weeks and see then." Castlebrook, beaten 22-lengths in third, was found to be blowing hard post-race. (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
