Bright New Dawn (nearest) scores as Venture Capital (partly hidden) crashes out© Photo Healy Racing
Bright New Dawn had fortune on his side as he claimed the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles this afternoon to give Dessie Hughes and Davy Russell doubles on the card.
The 6/4 favourite had just been collared going to the final flight, by Venture Capital in the Grade Two contest but was gifted the lead again jumping the last as that rival crashed out.
Habitual front-runner Rory O'Moore had taken them along in the two-and-a-half mile contest but was headed after the third last by Bright New Dawn.
Dessie Hughes' charge travelled best turning for home but was asked for an effort after the second last by Davy Russell.
Venture Capital stayed on to challenge before the last and had just edged ahead when crashing out at the final flight.
It left the Gigginstown gelding to come home a three-length winner. 20/1 shot Jennies Jewel wasn't helped by the faller at the last and surrendered the runner-up spot to Mala Beach on the run-in.
“I felt I still would have won. I held fire going to the last as he was idling a bit,” revealed Russell afterwards.
“This wouldn't really be his track as he likes a good galloping track,” said Hughes.
“He's a real chaser in the making and we're minding him this year so he won't be going to Cheltenham. He'll go to Fairyhouse for a two-and-a-half mile novice.”
The winner had come into the race with some strong form, having chased home Champagne Fever at Leopardstown last time and finished third to Jezki at the same course previously.
It was a quick double on the card for Dessie Hughes as Caheronaun had claimed the preceding race while Russell was also on the mark in the opener with Carrig Millie
Unfortunately it transpired that Venture Capital's fall at the last had proven fatal.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
