Trifolium thrills at Thurles

Classy hurdler Trifolium was easy-to-back (all the way out to 2/1) but that proved no guide as to what would unfold on the track as the French-bred impressed in the www.thurlesraces.ie Beginners Chase under Bryan Cooper.

Charles Byrnes' charge showed great enthusiasm for his new job. The Gigginstown House Stud colours have been carried by some great horses over a fence and no doubt Trifolium thrilled his connections with his exhibition of jumping.

The Grade 2 winning timber-topper, third in the 2012 Supreme Novices' Hurdle, made most and he stretched on from before the straight to beat Cairdin by ten lengths.

"From the first day we schooled him he jumped fantastic but he's had so many problems.

"He's been done for his wind and he's had one or two more problems as well.

"Heavy ground seems to be the killer for his wind. We'll tip away from here and he'll be entered in whatever two mile races there are for him.

"It suits him to be out in front and he's able to keep filling up. He won a good few races last year from the front. He should be easy to train after today," stated Byrnes.

Paddy Power go 20/1 first show Trifolium for both the Arkle and the Jewson at the Cheltenham Festival. (TW & EM)