Gunner wins again on hurdling debut

Gunner McGregor followed-up on his bumper win at Clonmel last month, as he took the opener at Limerick, the Coral.ie Best Price Guaranteed On All Irish Races Maiden Hurdle.

The Eamon Sheehy trained five-year-old was making his debut over flights this evening, and he was backed into 9/4 co-favouritism after opening on-course at 11/4 (available at 7/2 in early shows).

Settled behind the leaders by Brian Hayes, he was fourth with a circuit to race. He was pushed along in third entering the straight, and came with his challenge on the outer from two out, staying on best after the last, going on to score comfortably by five and a half lengths.

The other co-favourites finished second and third respectively, with Gone Platinum filling the runner-up spot under Andrew Lynch for Henry De Bromhead, while Castle Guest was a further three parts of a length back in third under Robbie Power for Mick Halford.

Sheehy, who trains the winner for Richie Minogue, said afterwards: "We definitely fancied him today. He had done plenty of schooling since he won at Clonmel and he jumped very well.

"We might go for a novice with him at Galway next. I wouldn't rule out running him over a mile and a half on the flat either.

"I have eight in training at the moment but room for a lot more. I put in a new woodchip surface on the gallop. It had been a bit shook when the finances weren't there but its back up and running up again."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes