Hogan "thrilled to get a winner" for Conroy

Two races down at Clonmel and it's been two winning odds on favourite as Ozzie's Way (8/11) was on the mark in the Kilsheelan Maiden Hurdle.

Denis Hogan trains and rode this Oscar gelding for owner/breeder Tim Conroy, and from the front he had too much for second favourite, Markhan from the last to come out on top by two and a half lengths.

Said Hogan afterwards: "I was stepping on it from the top of the hill because I was aware the other horse had a gear or two and he kept finishing. He was a bit idle in front but had to do it the hard way.

"He deserved that and I'm thrilled to get a winner for Tim Conroy who has been with me since the start.

"You won't meet a better man to train for and he leaves it to me and is a joy to train for.

"He wasn't winning out of turn - he is rated 111 and probably ran to that, and when the weather breaks he'll go on a holiday and come back for a rated novice hurdle around March time.

"He'll jump a fence in time and he is from a good family."

(TW & EM)