Cullenwaine collects in Thurles opener

Cullenwaine justified good support when running out a convincing winner of the opening Molony Cup Handicap Chase at Thurles this afternoon.

Philip Rothwell 's charge was backed from as big as 22/1 this morning and went to post a 15/2 shot in the three-mile-one contest.

Simon Torrens had his mount disputing in the early stages before settling behind front-runner Pitwood Road after they had completed a full lap.

He produced the bottom-weight to lead on the long run to the final fence and the Golden Lariat gelding kept on strongly on the run-in to post a five length success over Brandt

Rothwell also saddled Game And Glory to finish third and he said:-

"Both my horses ran really well and Cullenwaine had been unlucky as he needs to be ridden positively and loves good ground.

“Simon said he jumped well, got into a lovely rhythm and stayed at it well.

"He is entered over 2m4f at Down Royal on St Stephen's Day and if the ground stays good he'll run.

“It has been an incredible year weather-wise but if the ground starts to soften he'll get a break and come back next summer. I don't think the trip is such a big thing with him, he just needs good ground.

"Jim Gilfoyle is a local owner from Toomevara and he rang me yesterday evening asking had he a chance, being a 20/1 chance. I told him he had a right chance, so he'll be delighted."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)