Great start for Toostrong in Ireland Toostrong is well-named and he proved as much by kicking the last hurdle out of the ground on the way to an impressive success in the opening Fairyhouse Premier Jump Weekend Maiden Hurdle (division 1). This was a good start for the French-bred for Gigginstown House Stud and Willie Mullins and he crossed the line a comfortable winner from Star Neuville. Mullins said: "In time he'll want a much longer trip. It was a slow muddling race and he didn't jump as well as he can. "I think he's a stayer more than anything else. He is a huge big horse and he is crying out for fences next year." Mark Howards excellent One Jump Ahead publication detailed Toostrong's background as follows - Owned and bred by the Couetil family in France, he is by the same sire as Sprinter Sacre and ran in two APQS Flat races. Fourth on his debut at Fontainbleau in October, Toostrong was a winner next time at Seiches-Sur-Le-Loir (2700 metres) in the Provinces under Adrien Fouassier in December. He was acquired by agent Richard Hobson soon afterwards. Hobson of course, a former journeyman jockey, sourced Hurricane Fly, Golden Silver, Secant Star and Sir Des Champs for Closutton in the past. (AM & EM)
