Foildub makes pleasing comeback

Another front-runner got the job done at Tipperary as Paul Carberry and Foildubh ran out the ready winners of the two mile handicap hurdle. Scots Gaelic looked a threat when moving into contention and tracking Foildubh after three out, but he was under pressure after two out and Carberry duly pushed his mount clear after the last for a two length verdict.

The winner comfortably justified 3/1 favouritism for owner/trainer John Ryan. Colls Corner was third at 7/2, but he was 12 lengths in arrears of the runner-up Scots Gaelic (9/2 from 6/1 in the betting ring). Mart Lane also attracted support on course from 7/1 to 11/2, however he finished outside of the places in fourth.

“He’s a long way from full fitness. He was heavier today. We didn’t want to have a hard run on his first run back, that’s why we ran him over hurdles,” John Ryan said.

“He’s a lot stronger this year. He’s only in eight weeks. We have options for him – the Paddy Power Gld Cup at Cheltenham or we could go to Down Royal or he could have a run over hurdles instead.”

Foildubh was running off a mark of 126 over hurdles today. He won off 137 over fences at Punchestown in April.

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)