Review THURLES 25TH OCT

The feature event turned into a duel at Thurles on Thursday with Kerryhead Windfarm proving too strong for odds-on shot Powerstation in the Vendee Hurdle.

A better jump two out gave the 8/15f the advantage over Kerryhead Windfarm but he couldn't shake off the long-time leader.

Davy Russell conjured another effort from his mount after the last and he went on again for a three-and-a-half length victory.

The winner was making his first start for trainer Adrian Maguire and he was full of praise for the winning jockey: 'Davy is riding out of his skin.'

'He is a horseman and filled him full of confidence. He said that even when Powerstation went past he thought he would win. He was a sick horse last season. I'll have a look at the calendar now and see what suits him.'

Eastern Canal looks to have a bright future over fences after making an impressive debut over the larger obstacles in the opening beginners chase.

David Casey sent the gelding on before the second last and he soon had the measure of long-time leader Florrie's Boy, going on for a cosy four-length victory.

'He jumped well and has always been a good jumper - he jumped hurdles like he wanted fences,' said trainer Jessica Harrington.

'We ran him over 2m2f for his debut rather than 2m as they go that little bit slower. We'll bring him back to 2m for a novice race now. The (Grade 2) Craddockstown Chase at Punchestown is a possible.'

Luxi River produced a game front-running performance, under Paul Carberry, to open his account in the second division of the 2m6f beginners chase.

The Michael McElhone-trained gelding ended a run of placed efforts when repelling the late challenge of Sizing Australia by a head.

'No horse deserves it more than he does. He will go handicapping now,' said trainer Michael McElhone.

The first division produced a shock result with 33/1 shot Caher Flow surviving a mistake at the last to hold the challenge of Countess Trifaldi by half a length.

Edward O'Grady is not alone in waiting for the ground to ease before unleashing his battalions but he was on the mark when Fen Game claimed the Cashel Maiden hurdle.

Pied Piper Man took the juvenile hurdle in good style, staying on strongly to score by three-and-a-half lengths.

'He was kicked at the start at Clonmel last time,' revealed trainer Jim Gorman afterwards. 'If the ground stays good he'll go for a winners race but if not we'll put him away until the spring.'

Ruby Walsh produced Rog with a late burst to deny Alphazar in the dying strides of the handicap chase while Bellflower Boy kicked on two out to land the concluding handicap hurdle.