Storm strikes over hurdles

Fenno's Storm stayed on stoutly to open his hurdling account in the three-mile handicap at Limerick.

Declan Queally 's charge has been better known as a hunter chaser and point-to-pointer in recent years but made the most of a low mark over timber at the second time of asking this season.

He had weakened tamely on his comeback run at Clonmel last month but was prominent throughout this afternoon.

The 11/4 favourite lost his lead up the back straight the final time but was disputing again turning for home. Betterask Jj appeared to be going better down to the second last but Fenno's Storm found plenty in the closing stages, for Paul Cawley, to win by a length-and-a-half.

Declan Queally junior said:- "He had a low mark over hurdles and I felt when he was rising ten that it was time to use it rather than sickening him as he isn't good enough for Open point to points anymore.

"He has been a brilliant horse for me but isn't getting any faster and it's nice to get another win. We'll fool away and won't abuse him.

"He could come back here over hurdles at Christmas and is in the Porterstown Hurdle too so we'll see if he gets in." 

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)