Choice too strong for the boys

Royal Choice made all and always looked in control as she landed the Tipperary Home Of Hurling Hurdle at Clonmel.

Davy Russell never had an anxious moment on the mare as she held too many guns for her rivals in the two-and-a-half mile contest. Eyre Apparent tried to throw down a challenge turning for home but was playing second fiddle over the last two flights to the 11/8 favourite.

Henry de Bromhead's charge only had to be kept up to her work in the closing stages to post a length-and-a-half success.

The winner has been mixing it over fences and hurdles and was recording her first success since taking a novice chase at Cork in December 2009.

"A few of ours have disappointed recently so it's good to see her finish off her race," said de Bromhead.

"Davy said she loved that fast ground and we're delighted to get another win with her. The key to her is fast ground and she hopped off it.

"There is a (Grade 2) chase at Gowran Park for her next month and that could be a possibility to try and get some black-type if the ground is reasonably fast."

Amateur Conor Murphy failed to weigh-in on Stamford Ridge who finished a tailed off last of five. His mount was disqualified and the 7lb claimer was severely cautioned.

Gary Carson