Mighty Stowaway makes odds-on punters sweat in opener

Mighty Stowaway opened his account at the 14th attempt when justifying odds-on favouritism in the opening Munster Beginners Chase at Thurles.

However those who supported the seven-year-old gelding into 8/11 favourite must have been worried as Rachael Blackmore was hard at work from over half a mile out. Punches Cross appeared the likely winner when heading the front-running Indian Music after two out but he found very little when asked for an effort.

Mighty Stowaway jumped the last by far the better of the pair to land in front, and soon asserted to score by three and a half lengths.

Winning trainer Shark Hanlon said, ""The ground was too quick and the trip was too short and he did well to win because going across the top he was beaten.

"She said he was always getting there and we'll step him up in trip to 2m6f now and the heavier ground will be better for him. She gave him some ride.

"We'll leave him to Christmas now. My horses are running well and we're after having a great weekend point to pointing with three winners and a second."

The same connections were also on the mark with Peacocks Secret at Naas on Saturday.

(TW & AM)