Pro too good for Dougal

On the seventh time of asking Spot The Pro got off the mark over hurdles as he made all to win the Friday Evening Racing Maiden Hurdle for Pat Kelly and Paul Townend.

The four-year-old son of Barathea had some good efforts to his name over hurdles and was sent off the 5/2 second favourite, having been backed from an opening show of 9/2 this morning with Paddy Powers. Dougal Philps was sent off the 2/1 favourite for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins and it looked as if he would strongly challenge the winner in the home straight

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However Spot The Pro found loads under pressure and once Paul Townend got serious aboard the bay gelding his pulled out more and sprinted clear on the run-in to win easily by twelve lengths.

Dougal Philps had to settle for a disappointing second while Rightville Boy was a further ten lengths back in third under Mark Enright for Patrick Neville at 14/1.

The winner was purchased by his trainer for just €5,500 at Tattersalls Ireland September Yearlings Sale back in 2010