Rua routs his rivals

Garri Rua powered away from his rivals down the straight to run out an easy winner of the Devon Inn Hotel Handicap Hurdle at Listowel.

Paul Townend, who was celebrating his 26th birthday, sat behind the leaders in the three-mile contest before striking for home turning into the straight.

The Garrett Power-trained gelding scooted clear of his rivals before the final flight and Townend could afford to ease down in the closing stages for a seven-length victory on the 9/1 shot.

Garri Rua had chased home cosy winner Top Of The Town at Bellewstown last month and was recording his second career victory having also scored at the Galway festival.

"He had form on winter ground in the past. I wasn't sure about today's dead ground but he handled it well,” said Power.

"He is thriving on his racing and will run again tomorrow under a 5lbs claimer (Donagh Meyler, and also set to carry a mandatory 4lbs penalty)."

9/4 favourite King's Wharf looked poised to challenge turning for home but couldn't quicken with the winner and eventually finished fourth.

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)