Edison strikes again at the Curragh

Thomas Edison followed up his course and distance success of last month when claiming the Irish Daily Mail Handicap at the Curragh.

Fran Berry got a lovely split on the rails two furlongs from home and his mount stuck on well in the closing stages for a length-and-a-quarter success. Toe The Line just edged a duel for second place with Mindy

The JP McManus-owned winner was sent off the well backed 4/1 favourite, backed from 11/2 on course.

“Fran was excellent, he knows him so we left it to him and it couldn't have worked out better,” said trainer Tony Martin.

“Winter ground catches him out but with his age and the bit of national hunt on his side it probably got him through compared to the Flat ones.

“He probably got there a bit early but the gaps opened up like the red sea and you have to take them when they are there.

“He's a horse that's had his problems and has been a bit unlucky a few times over hurdles so we might stay on the Flat for the moment but our options are open with hurdles and fences.

“It's great that he has repaid JP.”

(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)