Winner Giantofaman (right) jumps the last with Urano (eventual 2nd) at Thurles© Photo Healy Racing
No doubt many a punter had Giantofaman on their never, ever, ever list, following on from his antics in the past, but what a wonderous effect a set of blinkers can have on a horse.
Bryan Copper, doubling his score following an opening race victory on Trifolium made his intentions known from early on aboard the talented if previously quirky son of Stowaway in the Munster (C & G) Maiden Hurdle. He made most.
Odds-on Urano may now be on the aforementioned page of any gamblers notebook as he made it five second placings in a row, going down by a length and a quarter to Giantofaman.
In fairness to Ruby Walsh's mount on this occasion, he just seemed to find one better having had every chance in the straight. Ex-Ballydoyle performer Justification ran a good race on his hurdles debut, to be third, half a length adrift, whilst Bawntameena was twelve lengths off them in fourth.
Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said: "It worked (the blinkers). He was lucky he met the last on a good stride and that was a big help to him.
"We decided that we may as well go on with him today as he wasn't going to come from behind.
"He doesn't seem to like passing horses – mind you he doesn't like them passing him either.
"At least now we have the maiden hurdle out of the way. He never shows any quirks at home." (TW & EM)
