Exxaro gallops them into the ground

Exxaro brought up plenty of bets when routing the opposition in the concluding two and a half mile maiden hurdle at Tipperary.

The 9/10 favourite was always in the vanguard before striking for home off the home bend. Akito who he passed, soon was off the bridle in second with Kilclispeen third.

The favourite was ridden by Johnny Burke coming to the last and responded well by putting an injection of pace into the pace which sent him clear.

He popped that obstacle and came in by 20 lengths from Akito (6/1). Kilclispeen (9/4) was another five lengths away in third.

Successful trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "I'm delighted with that and he did it well. He was entitled to win on his bumper form behind Sub Lieutenant and is improving but still very green.

"Like a lot of ours, jumping seems to have improved him. Ann and Alan (Potts, owners) won't be at Killarney next week so his next race will be there at the end of August in the two mile six furlong novice hurdle."

The winner was backed during the day from 11/8 to 4/5 before going off 9/10.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes