Jimmy scores for the first time Jimmy Two Times overcame a seven-month absence to land some nice bets in the concluding amateur riders’ maiden hurdle at Clonmel. Brian Hamilton made the trip down from Downpatrick with two horses and, with Wither Hills just pegged back close home after making most of the running in the beginners chase, gained just reward in this two and a half miles event. Backed on track from 6/1 into 9/2, the Shantou gelding was also prominent throughout and kept on well from two out for Declan Lavery to score by six lengths. Four-time point-to-point winner Venitien De Mai was also ridden up with the pace to take the runner-up spot, with 6/4 favourite Sambremont the same distance further back in third. Hamilton said, “He’s a dour stayer and all he does is just gallop. Last season he was very sticky with his jumping and jumped to the right. It took a while to sort out and his experience probably told today. He wants soft ground. “He did a serious piece of work at Maralin the other day, and we’ll look for a staying novice at Christmas.” (TW & AM)
