The Niffler a local success for Tipperary trainer Eamonn O'Connell Despite some slight concerns about dropping back in trip on such a quick track, the Eamonn O'Connell trained The Niffler just did enough when keeping on late to win Division l of the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle at Tipperary. A winner over 2m3f at Naas last month, the grey was just denied when attempting a quick follow up over the minimum trip at Clonmel two days later. Favourite Morepowertoya made most of the running under Daragh O'Keeffe, still holding a narrow advantage on the run to the final flight. However, the Paul Power trained gelding looked in trouble as both The Niffler and Red Glory stalked in his slipstream. Jumping the last upsides, the latter pair soon had the favourites measure as they settled down for a battle on the short run-in. The Niffler edged ahead over 150 yards out and despite the best efforts of Rachael Blackmore Red Glory could find no more back in second. Eamonn O’Connell said: “It took us a while to get him back but we have him now. He was a bit unlucky the last day and didn’t see the horse down the inside. “If the ground stays safe then he’ll run again.” Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
