Book Your Summer BBQ Package Mdn Hdle of €12,000.00 4/5-y-o 2m.

1st - €8,292.00, 2nd - €2,040.00, 3rd - €960.00, 4th - €600.00 19 Ran

A wide open market with four co-favourites at 13/2 and not surprisingly a shock winner in the shape of EARTH AND SKY, who hadn't shown much in two hurdle outings early last summer on much faster ground. The former Godolphin in-mate was never far off the pace but came under pressure entering the straight, at which point GENTLEMAN JEFF was travelling like a winner. However he stuck to the task in game fashion and has the scope to progress further, perhaps even over a longer trip.

The Dermot Weld-trained gelding jumped well on this his hurdle debut, and a combination of the ground and being in front too long probably contributed to him being collared by the winner on the run-in. This represented a promising start to his hurdle career, and he looks sure to pay his way on better ground in the coming months.

The pair pulled clear of the remainder, with the front-running MATCHMAKEOVER beaten in third when falling at the last. Another hurdle newcomer INDIANACA caught the eye staying on into the frame after half the field were in front of her at the second last.

There was some merit in the debut effort of LORD DES EPEIRES, who can be expected to build on this, while the patiently-ridden LUCKY SPRING never got in a meaningful blow. The latter will benefit from this run and can be seen to better effect when the ground dries a bit.

ARDISTAN (lame) was a non-runner.