103/1 Thurles double for Gigginstown and Elliott Noted going through his paces nicely at the morning mingle work session at Leopardstown during the week, Dortmund Park impressively brought up a Gigginstown House Stud and Gordon Elliott double in race two at Thurles. Off the mark in Ireland at Fairyhouse on New Year's Day, here Davy Russell's mount destroyed the opposition in the W.T. O’Grady Memorial Irish EBF Novice Hurdle. For the second race in succession we had a favourite fail to complete the course, this time Articulum (5/2) soon done with up the back straight before pulling up. Up front 12/1 shot Dortmund Park asserted from the second last to put sixteen lengths between himself and runner-up, Burrows Saint. Gigginstown and Elliott took the opener with Pete So High (Jack Kennedy). "I said before the race I couldn't believe what price he was and he's a nice horse," stated Elliott afterwards. As regards being an Albert Bartlett contender, the Cullentra House Stables operator added "there are plenty of races to be won in Ireland and we can't send them all to Cheltenham but we'll see. "He could be, as he's a smart horse and wouldn't be out of place in a graded race. I think a bit of him and coming here today the ground was actually a worry for him." D.F. O'Regan, rider of Dom Dolo (FR), trained by Alan Fleming, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Dom Dolo (FR), trained by Alan Fleming, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Articulum, trained by Terence O'Brien, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. D.E. Splaine, rider of Articulum trained by Terence O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly five out. D.J. Mullins, rider of Sympa Des Flos (FR) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount got very tired. (TW & EM)
