Ten sticks head out to land gamble

The Tayto Group Maiden Hurdle produced a cracking finish with the well supported Ten Ten gaining the day late on from Dis Donc after a titanic tussle.

The pair both came to tackle front-runner Benefit North at the second last in the two-miler and settled down to fight it out before the last.

There was nothing between them on the run-in but Ten Ten found a bit more close home to land the spoils by half a length under Mark Walsh in the second colours of owner JP McManus.

The Philip Dempsey-trained gelding, who had been third on his debut at Gowran in late September, was well supported from as big as 25/1 this morning and went to post a 9/2 shot.

“He's improved since Gowran and he did everything well. I'm delighted with him,” said Dempsey.

“He's a lovely horse and chasing will be his game as he's a fine big horse.

“I suppose we'll look for a winners of one, we'll see what Frank thinks. We were very happy with that ground and he's a proper winter horse.” Tower Bridge in the first colours of JP McManus was sent off 2/1 joint favourite with Dis Donc but could only finish tenth.