Hurricane Sky (Fran Berry) heads Daigreen in the closing stages© Photo Healy Racing
Hurricane Sky followed up a convincing win at Gowran Park just three days earlier with a hard fought victory under a 5lb penalty in the nine-furlong handicap at Tipperary.
Just like at the Co. Kilkenny track last Sunday, Fran Berry produced the J P McManus-owned 11/8 favourite from off the pace.
Chris Hayes ensured it would be a true test on the testing ground by setting a strong gallop aboard Irish Reel although Daigreen (7/1) appeared to make a decisive move when striking the front for Joseph O’Brien over a furlong out.
However Hurricane Sky dug deep under pressure to lead inside the final 100 yards, and the four-year-old gelding had three quarters of a length to spare at the line. Benalex Park (7/2) was another two lengths adrift in third.
Winning trainer Charles O’Brien said, “He was entitled to win and it was a good performance as he was flat to the boards going down the back. It’s not too bad up the straight but the lads are saying it’s worse down the back straight.
“He disappointed me last year as he was working better than he was running. I’d say hurdling has helped him to grow up both mentally and physically, and he has plenty of options.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
