Drum completes Geraghty/Hourigan double

Barry Geraghty and Michael Hourigan completed a double at Thurles as Drumacoo made it three from three since returning to action this autumn in the INH Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.

The Oscar gelding, successful last month in both a Downpatrick bumper and a maiden hurdle at Punchestown, took over two out where the front-running Bosman Rule made a mistake.

The 6/5 favourite kept on well on the run-in to beat Couleur France by two and a half lengths as the pair pulled a further 13 lengths clear of Bosman Rule.

The Geraghty/Hourigan alliance were also on the mark in the opening beginners chase with Aerlite Supreme

Hourigan said, "It was a true run race and I was worried about the horse in front (Bosman Rule) for a while as he was winging hurdles.

"Barry said you'd question him on very heavy ground but he can't do any more than he did and, if we can live long enough, he'll make a nice chaser!

"He'll go for the Dorans Pride Hurdle at Limerick over Christmas now."

Geraghty said, “He was impressive at Punchestown and I’d say he was better again today. He’s crying out for time.”

(TW & AM)