Clara proves too strong in stamina test

Clara Mc Cloud belied a lack of market confidence to take the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle for Gordon Elliott and Barry Geraghty.

The six-year-old mare was patiently ridden in this three-mile stamina test to strike the front at the final flight, and the uneasy 4/1 favourite soon asserted to score by three lengths. Tulsa Jack stayed on to edge out Make A Track from the runner-up spot.

Geraghty said, “She’s a good mare and won well. Gordon has minded her and gave her a break before Cheltenham and she stepped up on her previous form. She had 27 days before coming here and has benefitted from it.

"She is as sweet as a nut and was fresh and well today and was able to cope with the ground which is loose but heavy."

(TW & AM)