Ambition left to come home well clear

Front-runner Bay Ambition was left to run out a facile winner of the Thurles Handicap Hurdle for Gavin Cromwell and Jonathan Moore.

The 4/1 shot was soon in front in the contest, run over just shy of two-miles-seven, and had her rivals at work turning for home.

Her nearest pursuer Braeside crashed out at the second last, leaving the Oscar mare well clear, and she coasted home in the closing stages to record a 28-length win.

Bay Ambition had been runner-up on her previous two outings and was adding to a maiden hurdle success at Downpatrick last October and also a point-to-point win.

"It wasn't the plan to make it but there was no one there to make it. She jumps and she stays,” said Cromwell.

"To be honest I thought the handicapper had a grip of her but it was a small field and she got away. I'd be hoping the handicapper doesn't crucify her now.

"She is slow but is a light framed mare and I wouldn't rule out running her during the summer."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)