Gigginstown second choice takes Clonmel opener

The Gigginstown colours were carried to success in the opening Clonmel Maiden Hurdle but not with what most punters expected as Game Of War readily dispatched hot-favourite Monbeg Worldwide

The 2/5 favourite Monbeg Worldwide set the pace under Jack Kennedy but was headed by Game Of War before the penultimate flight.

Dylan Robinson ’s mount, who didn’t go off unsupported at 9/2, soon asserted and stayed on strongly on the run-in to score by 11 lengths. Reelingintheyears kept on at one pace to deny the weakening Monbeg Worldwide for the runner-up spot.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said, “He’s always worked well and had a good run in a bumper last year. He was a bit disappointing in his next run but had a nice run on his return.

“I’d say the more testing ground today really helped him.”

Robinson said, "I was always confident travelling away the whole way and he left the favourite at the second last. He ran well on his hurdles debut and isn't a bad horse at all."

(TW & AM)