Lynch doubles up on impressive Vagabond

Andrew Lynch completed a quick double at Thurles when Le Vagabond took the Devils Bit 3YO Maiden Hurdle in fine style.

Lynch was successful half an hour earlier aboard 20/1 chance Tintown Rambler in the beginners chase but there was no hint of a surprise this time as his mount was well-backed into 4/7 (from 10/11) favourite.

The French import shaped well until falling at the last on his hurdling debut at Ballinrobe last month but made no mistake on this occasion.

The Edward O'Grady-trained gelding struck the front after the front-running Overtures blundered at the penultimate flight.

The odds-on favourite quickly asserted and stretched clear to beat Buyer Beware by an easy six and a half lengths, with Thywillbedone another three quarters of a length back in third.

O'Grady said, ""He did what it said on the tin, for a change. He came on from his run at Ballinrobe and it was nice to know he has now handled both sorts of ground.

"Once he drops the bridle it is a help and Andrew said it was a stop-start race but his biggest problem in the end was pulling him up.

"I've no plan for him but he jumps and travels well in his races. He is owned by a syndicate from Galway (Weir House Syndicate)."

He added, "Kitten Rock schooled on sand this morning and jumped 30 obstacles. He has done graft but no work yet and when he reappears just depends on when they turn on the taps (rain)!"

(TW & AM)