Lombron successful on Irish debut

Lombron scored on his Irish debut and continued a good afternoon for champion trainer Willie Mullins at Thurles when taking the Sign Up To GavinLynchRacing.com Maiden Hurdle.

The Turgeon gelding, placed on his only previous outing over hurdles in France this spring, was sent off the 2/1 favourite against 15 rivals.

Paul Townend ’s mount was never too far from the pace and jumped past the front-running Dollar Nolimit at the penultimate flight.

The winner was far from fluent at the final hurdle but kept on well on the run-in to score by three and a half lengths. Paradise Lost just touched off Whimsy for the runner-up spot.

Lombron was completing a treble on the card for Mullins and a double for the champion jockey.

Townend said, "It was very straightforward and he settled well. The others had had runs already this year so, on the flat, I was conscious not to do too much with him and his jumping put him back into the race.

"He quickened up, lengthened nicely to the last and sorted himself out and he jumped brilliantly. He will come on from the run as you wouldn't count the ribs on him today. He has a lot of natural ability.

"He can definitely go up in trip and will handle softer ground as well."

Quotes by Tom Weekes