Thunder strikes on hurdle debut

Thunder Zone placed on all three outings on the flat for Ger Lyons this year, got his jumping career off to the best possible start when taking the 3YO maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse. Bought by Gigginstown and now in the care of Gordon Elliott, the Shamardal gelding went off an easy-to-back 5/1 chance with 9/10 shot Uradel bidding to complete a hat-trick in the opening three races for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. However the odds-on favourite folded quickly after two out as Kevin Sexton drove Thunder Zone into the lead. Thunder Zone and fellow hurdle newcomer Ring Chief were both far from fluent at the final flight but it made little difference as Elliott's charge kept on well to beat that rival by three lengths. Officieux was a further seven and a half lengths away in third, with Uradel weakening into fourth. Elliott said, "He doesn't show a lot at home and I'd say he likes that soft ground. "I'm not sure how strong a race it was but he did the job nicely. He'll come on a little bit with his jumping. "All his form on the flat looked like he was better on soft and I wouldn't say he's a good ground horse. "He's in at Leopardstown next week in all those races. The juveniles don't look the strongest so it wouldn't be a big surprise if he turned out again." (GC & AM)