JP doubles up as Los Alamos opens hurdle account

Los Alamos brought up a quick double for owner J P McManus when taking the Thurles.ie Maiden Hurdle. Bay Hill carried the famous green and gold colours to a narrow victory in the previous handicap hurdle and Los Alamos didn’t have too much to spare either in this 2m6f event.

The Joseph O’Brien-trained gelding looked set for a convincing success when asserting after the penultimate flight but he was strongly pressed by both Kilchreest Moon and An Fearchan at the last.

However the 100/30 chance found a bit extra for JJ Slevin on the run-in to beat An Fearchan by half a length, with Kilchreest Moon just a head back in third.

McManus' racing manager Frank Berry said, "It wasn't the greatest of races but he jumped well and had a bit of experience. He handled the ground and he'll probably go to Dundalk now to try and win a flat race.

"He has been a bit disappointing on the flat but he'll win one along the way."

(TW & AM)