Uncle Phil makes winning start over hurdles

The 6/4 favourite Uncle Phil just lasted home to make a winning debut over obstacles in the International Hotel Killarney Maiden Hurdle.

Bryan Cooper let the Kilbeggan bumper winner stride on in front before halfway and the Walk In The Park gelding jumped well. He seemed to be holding his rivals fairly comfortably between the final two flights but his pursuers closed on the run-in.

Willie Mullins' five-year-old held on to account for Hashtag Pretender and The Last Mardi by half a length and three quarters of a length.

Cooper remarked: "I was confident coming here as he had come the point-to-point route (with Pat Doyle) without running and I knew that would help.

"He isn't the strongest of finishers but he is a proper jumper and Willie said there was no point disappointing him. He got the job done and from the back of the last I thought I was beaten but he sticks it out.

"There is plenty fun to be had with him and it is great to ride a winner in these (Mrs Joe Donnelly) colours again."

Quotes from Tom Weekes