Review CLONMEL 7TH DEC

Thurles form from the previous Thursday was always likely to have a strong bearing on today's fare, with more than one horse turning out for the second time in the week.

Exile, well fancied when managing no better than eighth three days previously, again attracted a little market-support, 10/1 into 8/1 for the opening maiden hurdle.

Andrew Lee's runner rewarded his supporters this time, showing a good battling attitude to come out best of a four way tussle up the straight. Larry Hurley rode the former dual Flat winner.

Those who thought Strong Project would register a quick double after his Thursday success had their fingers burnt. Taken from a little 4/5 into 4/7, the Charlie Swan-trained seven-year-old again set out to make all.

However this time the market-leader was beaten away from the third last and it was left to Al Towd to come home a comfortable victor for trainer, Michael Halford and rider, Adrian Lane.

Providing Halford with his fifty second success of the calendar year, his best to date, the 11/2 shot hurt himself at Navan two runs back, then had a year off, but will now go handicapping and jump a fence next year.

Francys Fancy had romped to success at Thurles and racing with just a mandatory 6Ib penalty was 10Ib 'well-in' for the h'cap hurdle. Consequently she went off odds-on at 4/7.

Never giving her supporters any cause for worry, Sam Curling's mount came home an easy four and a half length winner and the Frances Crowley-trained filly now looks set for a further hike in the ratings.

A grief stricken beginners chase provided Pa Murphy with his first win as a professional rider, when Boneyarrow gained an impressive success. Willie Mullins' charge was overcoming an absence of over a year.

It took Lindsay Woods seven hours to take Massenet from his Strabane to take up his engagement in the two mile two handicap hurdle. The marathon trek paid dividends though as the top-weight scored in good style.

Touching down in front two out in the hands of Mark McNiff (gaining his 2nd winner), the 5/1 shot (18.80 on tote), went on to triumph by a convincing four and a half lengths.

Tote patrons were also rewarded with a 52.50 dividend on 20/1 shot, Runaway Jake in the handicap chase. After taking it up after the fifth, Steven Ryder made the rest aboard Philip Rothwell's charge.

Favourite backers went home on good terms with themselves as Forty Licks gained an easy ten length win in the bumper.