Lodge takes dramatic opener

Just five went to post for the opening P J Foley Memorial Hurdle at Gowran Park but there was no shortage of drama with Burrenbridge Lodge only confirmed the winner following a stewards enquiry.

The front-running One Cool Shabra (12/1) was narrowly headed by Burrenbridge Lodge (10/1) at the final flight, at which point the 5/4 favourite Gorgeous Sixty loomed alongside as a big danger.

Burrenbridge Lodge kept on gamely under pressure for Tom Doyle on the run-in to score by a length and a quarter but in the process edged right and tightened up One Cool Shabra and John Cullen on the far rail.

Following a stewards enquiry the placings remained unaltered, although Doyle picked up a three day suspension for careless riding.

Winning trainer Kieran Purcell said, “I don’t know where to go next as the Grade 1 at Leopardstown may come too soon. He’s a good honest, tough horse and stands about 16.3 tall.

“If a good trainer had him what would he be like!” quipped Purcell.

Stan James have introduced the winner at 25/1 for the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.