Fintown follows up for Hayes/Winters

Fintown Boy followed up a Fairyhouse win six days ago by justifying evens favouritism in the Templemore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

The Mick Winters-trained gelding belied a 7lb rise in the ratings with a convincing success again under Brian Hayes.

The lightly-raced eight-year-old was produced to lead approaching the final flight and settled the issue with a low and fast jump to beat top-weight Lleyton by four and a half lengths.

The pace-setting Walkers Point could find no extra to finish a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.

Winters said, “He’s a big strong horse and while he is going on that ground, he may as well make the most of it now. The owner is anxious to leave him off for the winter but while he is in good form and if he is ok tomorrow, we'll see about plans.

"I hopped up on him myself yesterday morning and he seemed to be on top of the world and was at his peak.

"Brian Hayes is a great horseman and winners gives everyone confidence and he rode him with confidence today."

(TW & AM)