Future Proof gains deserved hurdle win

Future Proof opened his account over hurdles at the tenth attempt when landing odds of 8/13 in the MansionBet “GetItReady” For Cheltenham Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park.

The dual-purpose gelding won on debut on the Flat for Ger Lyons nearly two years ago but has been a bit frustrating to follow since under both codes.

The son of Dream Ahead has been placed on numerous occasions for Noel Meade over the past few seasons and was going one better here having filled the runner-up spot at Fairyhouse in January.

The odds-on favourite was left in the lead after the front-running Cosa Ban fell at the penultimate flight and soon went clear under talented 7lb claimer Eoin Walsh.

The five-year-old was eased on the run-in but still had 16 lengths to spare over Royal Rhythm at the line, with Pani Problem a further length and a half back in third.

Meade said, “At last! He'll run in handicaps somewhere now and will go back on the Flat at some stage. I can't believe it took him so long to win one.

“We had it in our minds to hold him up today and come late but he ended in front before we planned.”

(GC & AM)