Plains Indian and Cian Quirke © Photo Healy Racing
Plains Indian produced a stylish front-running performance to run out an easy winner of the Clonmel Oil Service Station Handicap Hurdle.
Cian Quirke bounced out in front on the Andy Slattery-trained gelding, who was having his first run over hurdles since pulling up in the same race last year.
The 9/1 shot skipped clear before the final flight in the three-miler and didn't have to come off the bridle to post a two-and-a-half length win over Tranquil Sea
Plains Indian was bouncing back to form having been well beaten on a couple of recent runs on the Flat.
Willie Slattery, the trainer's brother, said afterwards:- "I suppose he was the class horse in the race being a Listed winner and I know he has been disappointing but the ground was too soft for him all year.
"He had a good first run back this year and if he hadn't run twice since on ground which was too hard, he'd have been favourite today. We think he is well handicapped on the flat but can't get the ground for him.
"We'll try for another 0-140 handicap now and he could either go to Cheltenham later this month or to Leopardstown over Christmas."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
