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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

High Class Hero makes all under Townend

Wed 2nd Aug 2023, 20:56

High Class Hero (red) sees off Tag Man
High Class Hero (red) sees off Tag Man
© Photo Healy Racing

High Class Hero (13/8 overnight, returned 4/5 fav) was the one for money all day in the Win 1,000 Euros Tote Fantasy Bonus Maiden Hurdle and the Sulamani gelding made all in the hands of Paul Townend.

A bumper winner at Listowel in June having been out of action since winning a point-to-point in late 2021, the six-year-old was pressed by Tag Man two out but stayed on well to get the better of that rival by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: "It was a nice tactical front-running ride from Paul.

“The horses was a little green in front but he's a steeplechaser to look at. He'll probably stay novice hurdling this year but you'd think there would be a lovely future for him over fences.

“He showed a good attitude when they came around him and he picked up and went on again. It shows he has plenty of stamina and he looks to be a fabulous jumper.

“All and all he's a nice horse to look forward to. It'll be staying novices this season and then over fences after that.”

Quotes from Gary Carson

About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.