Placed hurdler wins Joe McGrath

Denis Hogan really has Tithonus operating at the peak of his powers and the T & M Racing Partnership-owned and Gary Halpin-ridden 12/1 shot landed the spoils in the Mongey Communications Joe McGrath Handicap at the Curragh.

From his draw in eleven, Halpin soon had Tithonus to the fore, and inside the last he was always going to repel Rattling Jewel (didn't get a trouble free run) and Primo Uomo which he did by three parts of a length and half a length.

"I didn't know about the ground but it was a big pot and we let him take his chance. It fitted in well as it was three weeks since his last run at Dundalk," disclosed Hogan.

He added: "It's hard to believe he was second in a maiden hurdle last year, and it was Donnacha O'Brien who advised me to drop him back to six furlongs. He's improving all the time.

"I'm delighted for the lads, Michael and Tony O'Brien. They have been with me from the start with Lukes Benefit, and they are lucky owners."

R.P. Downey, rider of Captain Power trained by Edward Lynam, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got upset in the stalls.

K.J. Leonard, rider of Sors trained by Andrew Slattery, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got upset in the stalls.

(AM & EM)