Review THURLES 17TH DEC Thurles hosted the final domestic meeting before Christmas, and Slaney Native justified his banker tag for punters when making virtually all under Barry Geraghty to land the featured Horse And Jockey Hotel Hurdle.The Jessica Harrington-trained gelding held a clear advantage entering the straight, and only needed to be ridden out with hands and heels to hold the staying on Lawz by a length. Mrs Harrington missed out on the victory due to a bout of flu but later reported from her home by phone that Slaney Native will head next for a conditions chase at Tramore on New Years Day. Ruby Walsh moved onto the 51 winner mark, ten ahead of nearest rival Geraghty, after partnering Expat to a surprise win in division one of the Killough INH Stallion Owners EBF Maiden Hurdle. The Andrew McNamara-trained gelding headed the gambled-on newcomer Bunratty Castle approaching the final flight to score by five and a half lengths.Andy Slattery is considering a tilt at the Thyestes Chase in Gowran Park next month with Hennessy Feeds, who finished strongly from the last to snatch the spoils in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase. The seven-year-old, ridden by Slattery's younger brother Willie, was only fifth jumping the last but finished with such effect that he had four lengths to spare over Forrest Tribe at the line.Edward O'Grady confirmed Nick Dundee on target for the Ericsson Chase after saddling Winter Whisper to a convincing success in division two of the maiden hurdle. 'Nick Dundee has come out of the Navan race in good form, and it is a great relief to have that over. I do not expect him to win the Ericsson but it should put him ready for the Hennessy Gold Cup,' said the Co Tipperary trainer.
