Western Sea opens account in exciting finish

Western Sea put some moderate previous form behind him to make a successful handicap debut in the two-mile Templemore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Mark Enright replaced Andrew Lynch on the 6/1 chance who was reappearing after a seven months absence and allotted a mark of 86 on his seventh start.

The Ross O’Sullivan-trained gelding and Whatsinthecorner fought out a tremendous battle in the straight, with the former just gaining the upper hand by a head.

The pair came home eight and a half lengths clear of top-weight Serious Ego in third.

The evens favourite Commandant who was bidding to give Rachael Blackmore a treble on the day, was brought down three out.

O'Sullivan said, "He had a low competitive mark off 86 and was well backed and we were hopeful of a good run and I thought Joseph's horse (Commandant) would take a lot of beating after last week. I thought we'd be an each-way price and the lads had a few quid on him each-way.

"He raced very fresh and I thought passing the stands we had no chance as he was too fresh but he kept going. He'll be ok for the winter ground but wouldn't be a glutton for heavy ground and we'll aim at another handicap next.

"It was unfortunate for Andrew Lynch who did all the schooling on him but got a fall schooling after racing yesterday. He had to go for an x-ray but he's ok. It was hard luck on him.

"It's great to get these horses from Tommy Ward, from Mountmellick, who is a good supporter and a good man to have in the game."

(TW & AM)