Andrew Thornton rode his first winner on Arondo back in July and indeed winners two, three and four were also for Mervyn Torrens (Dancera, Canulos and Arondo again). Thornton registered career win number fourteen and his fifth for Omagh-based Torrens when the same Arondo took the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle in his usual in front all the way style.

The German-bred 7/1 shot stayed on well from the last to see off Back Of The Pack by nine lengths. On much different ground than his two previous wins had been achieved on, Arondo, "a hardy bugger" according to his trainer, will go to the Down Royal on St Stephens Day if he comes out of this event okay. (EM)