High Class Hero makes all under Townend

High Class Hero (13/8 overnight, returned 4/5 fav) was the one for money all day in the Win 1,000 Euros Tote Fantasy Bonus Maiden Hurdle and the Sulamani gelding made all in the hands of Paul Townend.

A bumper winner at Listowel in June having been out of action since winning a point-to-point in late 2021, the six-year-old was pressed by Tag Man two out but stayed on well to get the better of that rival by two-and-a-quarter lengths.

Winning trainer Willie Mullins said: "It was a nice tactical front-running ride from Paul.

“The horses was a little green in front but he's a steeplechaser to look at. He'll probably stay novice hurdling this year but you'd think there would be a lovely future for him over fences.

“He showed a good attitude when they came around him and he picked up and went on again. It shows he has plenty of stamina and he looks to be a fabulous jumper.

“All and all he's a nice horse to look forward to. It'll be staying novices this season and then over fences after that.”

Quotes from Gary Carson