Harrie bounces back to his best

Harrie (11/4) provided Paul Townend and Willie Mullins with yet another success, as he ran out an easy winner of the opener at Thurles this afternoon, the Templemore Beginners Chase.

In a share of the lead in the early stages, the chestnut son of Le Harve got to the front after the third and increased his advantage from two out, going on to register a decisive eight-and-a-half length success. Recent Revelations (12s to 15/2) kept on to take second under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott, while Whatsnotoknow who was returned the 2/5 favourite, could only manage a disappointing third, a further length and three parts behind.

Hazran was closing on the leaders in third when he fell three out.

A faller on his most recent start, the winner had been ultimately disappointing since claiming a maiden hurdle at Tramore in December of 2018.

Townend said in the aftermath: "I was unaware of the trouble in the race but heard plenty of it!"

"He was unlucky to fall here the last day and the form of the race did work out. We weren't going to hang around dropping back in trip today and the testing ground brought his stamina into play.

"He was always going to be a chaser and while we were disappointed he fell the last day, he has put that behind him and can go on to other things now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

T. Ryan, rider of Beating The Odds trained by W.J.Austin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount met with interference from the loose horse.

A.W. Short, rider of Hungry Tiger trained by Patrick Griffin, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was hampered at the second.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes