Clondaw makes all to score on hurdling debut

The John 'Shark' Hanlon trained 8/11 favourite, Clondaw Warrior made all on his hurdling debut to win the opening www.limerickraces.ie Maiden Hurdle in good style under Brian Hayes.

The 5yo son of Overbury was the clear form choice having won three bumpers on the bounce last season at Down Royal in May, Cork in July and at Cheltenham in October.

He also ran in two point-to-point's early in his career finishing third and second when trained by Colin Bowe.

Having bounced out in front he made all today and was push out to assert on the run-in going on to score by three lengths. Jimjim Mac Cool finished second for Henry De Bromhead under Andrew Lynch at 14/1 while John Cullen finished a half a length back in third aboard the 8/1 shot Gray Hession who was his first runner as a trainer.

Winning trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon said afterwards: "He'll probably go for novice hurdle somewhere now. We just wanted to get this hurdle out of the way.

"He wants good ground and will go for some of the Festivals now.

"He jumped super and Brian gave him a great ride. He done all the schooling on him at home. Brian lost his seven pound claim there and it was a nice way to do it."

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes