Leche leaves rivals toiling

Cafe Con Leche gave his rivals weight and a comprehensive beating in the opening four-year-old hurdle at Limerick this afternoon.

Denis Hogan 's charge carried a 7lb winners penalty in the two-mile contest following his victory at Clonmel 11 days ago.

He tracked the front-running favourite Great Bear who was sent off a 4/11 shot in the race having chased home Triumph Hurdle winner Burning Victory at Fairyhouse last month.

Hogan sent his mount up to claim the leader early in the straight and he powered clear before the last to settle matters.

The Camacho gelding was eased up going to the line to record an easy 10-length victory over the hotpot.

"We hacked around, we'd do more at home. He hasn't worked since he won at Clonmel and he loves being fresh,” said Hogan.

“I was happy to let Darragh (O'Keeffe, on Great Bear) go as slow as he wanted because he used to just about get two miles but he has got stronger now and is more effective in a finish than he used to be.

"It was a blessing in disguise that he didn't get into Cheltenham as I would have ran him and he had an easy race there so it's great that we're here and great that racing is on.

"He will be for flat for the summer; he is a big horse and I wouldn't want to run him on quick ground but down the line fences will be his job too."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)