Molony family affair at Thurles

Thurles has proven a happy hunting ground for John Cullen over the years and he rode Bohemian Lass to win the opening beginners chase at Thurles today, for his mother-in-law Riona Molony, wife of the racecourse's owner Pierce Molony.

Bohemian Lass (backed from 20/1 in the morning into 9/1 SP), tracked the leaders before moving through to lead before the straight, eventually staying on well for a comfortable 10 length win over The Spoonplayer

Winning trainer Billy Harney, who trains locally at Templemore, later briefly mentioned "Bohemiam Lass loves jumping and will go for those mares chases now."

The win was more appropriate in that it was the first race run at the track since Cullen married Molony's daughter, Annemarie, at the venue last June.

Cullen went on to record a double, when riding Grand Fella to win the Killinan 3YO Maiden Hurdle for trainer Joanna Morgan.