Style success a 'tonic' for injured McLoughlin Ottoman Style proved strongest close home to land the spoils for trainer Dermot McLoughlin in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Gowran. The Kayf Tara gelding was making his second outing for the yard having been third at Fairyhouse in early December. He went to post a 14/1 shot in today's event and tracked the leaders in the early stages. Conor Maxwell sent his mount up to challenge at the third last and he led turning for home. There were plenty pressing at the penultimate flight and he was joined by Bynx and Ardera Ru over the last. Ottoman Style found plenty on the run to line to stick his head out and record a half length win over Bynx. Maxwell said afterwards:- "That will be a good tonic for Dermot as he is out with a broken leg he got while out hunting two weeks ago yesterday. “He had an operation but it is slow to heal and has had a few problems. He was in good form this morning and was talking about going to a point to point at his local track in Oldtown today. "Dermot told me to ride him with loads of confidence but said it wasn't ideal as he wants further although he didn't want to go any further on that ground as his best form is during the summer. "I stayed out wide for fresh ground and he stuck it out really well. I rode him to run well and everything fell his way. "I'm in Dermot's twice a week and in Gavin Cromwell's twice a week and at home with pre-trainers the rest of the time." (Quotes by Tom Weekes)
