5.10 2m. 7f. 159yds. 7 Declared. Thurles H'cap H'dle of €16,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €9,600.00 2nd - €3,200.00 3rd - €1,600.00 4th - €800.00 5th - €480.00 6th - €320.00
FormscanBy Michael Graham - Former point-to-point winner NATIVE SPEAKER catches the eye on handicap hurdle debut. He was a somewhat remote second in maiden hurdles at Punchestown and Limerick, but the horses that beat him are smart and have both followed up. The Punchestown winner subsequently landed a Grade 2 novice hurdle. Shannon Royale won a Punchestown maiden hurdle in November by a whopping 24 lengths and the horse in second is now a leading contender for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. He disappointed on his next appearance in Navan, but got back to work when a close second in Punchestown. He has to give plenty of weight away, but is a big player. Linden Arden is markedly up in trip for Willie Mullins, but was an easy winner in Punchestown and should have plenty to offer while Ishan didn't run at the Dublin Racing Festival and is a solid stayer.
An extended handicap hurdle for four years old and upwards (130 = 11st 12lbs)Penalties - Winner of a hurdle race after calculation of the handicap shall carry 7lb extra for each hurdle race won.