Warrior battles to success in Clonmel opener

After winning his maiden hurdle at Listowel on his last start Egyptian Warrior followed up in the opener at Clonmel this afternoon, the www.clonmelraces.ie Novice Hurdle, scoring under Robbie Power for Aidan O’Brien.

The five-year-old son of Galileo was stepped up in trip to two and a half miles for the first time today and he was sent off the 11/8 favourite having opening at 5/4 on-course.

Settled off the pace he took closer order after the third last and was pushed along as they entered the straight.

He improved on the outer to come with his challenge before two out and he gained a marginal lead between the last two, keeping on best on the run-in to score by three lengths. Supreme Doc who attempted to make all, finished a game second under Jody McGarvey for Mike O’Donovan at 7/1.

Frank Berry, winning owner JP McManus' racing manager, said afterwards: "It was workmanlike but he did it well. He's tough and jumped great. He seemed to handle conditions well and we'll find another one for him now."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson