Davy Russell recorded his first winner of the week as Tavern Times (5/2fav) took the Arthur Guinness Fund Novice Hurdle, bouncing back from a disappointing defeat last time out at Sligo.
Having won his maiden hurdle at Gowran in June, he was sent off the 4/5 favourite to follow up in Novice company at Sligo but he found Sulwaan too good over two miles.
The extra half a mile clearly suited him today as he galloped along in mid-division behind the clear leader Moncherie He closed right up five flights from home before moving into the lead after the second last. He kicked on from there and travelled best approaching the turn-in.
The Dermot Weld trained, Endless Intrigue stayed on well from the back and looked a danger approaching the last, however the winning son of Presenting, kept on well under pressure to score by two and a half lengths.
The Tom Mullins trained 7yo is joint owned by Paul Duffin, Jerry Russell (Davy Russell's father) and Frosty Kelly (Russell's agent)
Winning trainer Tom Mullins said afterwards: "It was not ideal he hit the front but I just wouldn't be holding him up either as he is that sort of horse at the moment.
"He is getting better, getting a bit of confidence and getting well in himself again.
"We had a lot of hardship with him over the winter as he ran well in a race at Naas but cut the front leg off himself and he was lucky to come back after that at all.
Winning rider Davy Russell said afterwards: "That was a lovely win for a very important owner you know!
"I was very confident as I though the extra half mile would suit him, he was crying out for it.
"He didn't really handle the track well as he missed a couple of hurdles but didn't lose any ground at them.
"Tom had him in tip top shape and the good gallop suited him but he needs that type of race, a good gallop over a trip."
Donal Murphy
