Harvey's hacks up for O'Grady and Walsh

Harvey's Quay opened his account with an effortless victory in the Powerstown Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The Edward O'Grady-trained gelding had been third on his handicap debut at the venue in late October and was sent off a solid 6/4 shot to go a couple of places better.

Mark Walsh always had his mount to the fore in the two-miler and he went a few lengths clear going to the fourth last flight.

The Fame And Glory gelding, owned by JP McManus, had a reduced advantage turning for home but once Mark Walsh let out an inch of rein he scooted clear going to the last flight.

Harvey's Quay didn't have to engage top gear to get the job done by a cosy seven-and-a-half lengths. Sefton Warrior proved best of the rest.

Walsh said afterwards:- "I thought I got a very easy lead in a very bad race. He won well but I got an easy lead and was only hacking in front. I'd say it was a very bad race.

"He has to go up to the next grade now and we'll see then but hopefully he can keep progressing."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)