Tully impresses on hurdle debut

Tully East continued the good run enjoyed by connections when landing the odds in impressive fashion in the M.S.D Animal Health Maiden Hurdle at Listowel.

Trainer Alan Fleming saddled a double for owner Barry Connell here on Sunday, and they added to that tally as the 4/6 favourite cruised home in this two-mile event.

Adrian Heskin 's mount, twice a runner-up in bumpers last term, was produced full of running to lead at the penultimate flight and stretched clear on the run-in with his rider hardly moving a muscle. For Pedro was eight lengths back in second, with Hughies Bay another half-length away in third.

Fleming said, "He is a smart horse and had good bumper form. His second run was particularly good and he has grown since and is a different horse. He's more settled now and could go forward from this."

Heskin said, "The only problem for him was that they weren't going quick enough. He's a real nice horse, and had good bumper form last year. He can develop into a nice horse over the winter.

"He has a real sharp turn of foot and rides like a good horse."

(TW & AM)