The Church Gate relishes Thurles stamina test

The Church Gate appreciated a step up in trip to reward support under Andrew Lynch in the Thurles Handicap Hurdle.

The six-year-old gelding had shown promise in 16 previous outings without success notably when only denied by a head over three miles at Limerick earlier this year.

The Matthew Smith-trained 6/1 chance (available at 9/1 in the morning) has been racing over shorter trips since but stayed on well here over 2m6f.

Lynch’s mount travelled well to lead after three out and, despite slight mistakes at the final two flights, kept on well to score by four and a half lengths.

The 4/1 favourite Glenabo Bridge just denied Rare Legend the runner-up spot, while Cher Why Not completed the places in fourth. Hexapod bizarrely collided with two spurs of rail between the last two hurdles and was pulled up by Phillip Enright after the last.

Smith said, "The distance suited him and Andrew had said to us the last day to step him up to this trip.

"He had decent bits of form without ever winning and deserved to win one. His owners have been very patient as he has had some niggly problems along the way."

(TW & AM)