Farmer scores on hurdling debut

Clondaw Farmer got off to a stylish start over timber when landing the Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal.

The Galway bumper winner was sent off the 8/13 hotpot in the two-and-a-half mile contest and his backers had few worries.

Andrew McNamara sat in behind the leaders on the Scorpion gelding before hitting the front going to the third last.

Ram Them All tried to challenge but was making no impression over the second last and 'Shark' Hanlon's charge stayed on strongly in the closing stages for a cosy three-length success.

"He won anyway! He came out of his Galway race very tired. He was only coming back to himself in the last 10 days,” said Hanlon.

“He'll go novice hurdling. He'll get a good break. I think he's a good horse. He was leery again in front. I'd say he wants further, but we'll stick to that trip for now.”

Hanlon's other runner Little Vinnie stayed on from the back to take third, seven-lengths off the runner-up and he added:-

“But for the other horse making a mistake at the last I'd say she would have been up there. She came from a long way back. She wants three miles."

(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)