Plinth proves best in Istabraq Plinth upstaged the main protagonists to record a hard fought victory in the Grade 2 Istabraq Hurdle at Tipperary this afternoon. Thomas Edison, also owned by JP McManus, was sent off the well-backed 4/6 favourite for the two-mile contest but had to settle for third under Barry Geraghty. It was the Aidan O'Brien-trained Plinth who proved best in the second colours of his owner under Mark Walsh. The Montjeu gelding had also attracted support, from 10/1 in the morning into 6/1 on course. He was produced to tackle front-runner Fethard Player two from home but had to dig deep to get on top from that rival on the run-in and record a length success. Thomas Edison failed to pick up before the last and finished a length-and-three-quarters back in third. The veteran Thousand Stars came off the bridle before the straight and could only manage fifth. The winner had been fourth in handicap company at Listowel last month and was giving 3lb to Thomas Edison, who was rated 12lb superior. "It was a bit of a surprise and it's great to win. He never runs a bad race and jumped well and kept going," said racing manager Frank Berry. "He'll keep running away in those races." Regarding Thomas Edison Berry added "he was disappointing & didn't pick up. He had a hard oul' fall in Galway Hurdle and maybe will get a bit of confidence after that." Patrick Mullins reported that Thousand Stars would be aimed at a race in France towards the end of the month:- "He has earned more prizemoney today and there's still life in the old dog! The trip was too short but it's all systems go for a race at Autueil at the end of the month over three miles." (Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
