Toostrong appreciates the better ground Subsequent events show that Toostrong was facing quite a task, as favourite, when pulling up behind recent Powers Gold Cup hero, Realt Mor, at Navan early last month. He fell at Cork at Easter since then, but it all came together for the big chestnut in the Eoin Larkin & Sports Injury Surgery Clinic Beginners Chase at Gowran. It's amazing what a bit of good ground can do for a horse and here Toostrong brought up a double for Gigginstown House Stud, Willie Mullins and Davy Russell, following on from Midnight Oil in the first. Toostrong is a son of Sprinter Sacre and Rubi Light's sire, Network. He was always prominent in this two mile four furlong race and eventually led two out. The well-backed favourite, Chino Valdes (4s into 3s) was under pressure from before the straight but to his credit he kept going. Jessica Harrington's runner went second on the run-in but he was never going to get to Toostrong who triumphed by four lengths. (TW & EM)
