Mighty Tom dominates off front for Coopers

Mighty Tom was produced in rude health off a break by Tom Cooper to land the Happy Christmas To All Handicap Hurdle in Thurles.

The trainer's son, Bryan, made all on the six-year-old gelding who enjoyed a comfortable lead until he was closed up on over half a mile out by the favourite Mind Your Money

Cooper knew he had plenty in the tank though and kicked on his charge on two out. He was rewarded with a lovely, swift jump.

It was at that flight that A Thousand Tears made progress into third, however, he crashed out. Mighty Tom soon increased his lead over Mind Your Money who could make no impression at the last.

Again another good jump sealed the deal as Mighty Tom strode in by six lengths, under top weight, at 8/1. Mind Your Money (11/4f) fended off the nicely-backed Palace Rock (3/1) for second.

Trainer Cooper said: "It was his first run back but he runs well fresh and the nice ground helped.

"We'll keep him fresh now and keep him until Leopardstown in February now, for the Ladbrokes Hurdle. He should get enough for winning this to get in.

"His future lies over fences but we were late getting him back this season as he had a hiccup, so felt it was a bad time to be going chasing."

Mighty Tom was last seen taking third in a Grade B handicap hurdle at Killarney in May.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes