Well-bred Excelebration gelding lands handicap hurdle punt "The better ground helped him today and it was his first time in a handicap. We thought the better ground would improve him and it did," said owner Gary Ryan after his Guido Reni ran out a well-supported victor of the opening split of the Follow Us On Facebook Handicap Hurdle at Tipperary. Backed into 8/1 from 12s on track, and from bigger earlier, Guido Reni was ridden by Robbie Colgan. Trained by Karl Thornton Guido Reni struck for home from two out but I'm Serious was reeling him back from before the last. At the end the Excelebration gelding hung on by three parts of a length as the first two drew on by fifteen lengths from third home Lizzies Way. "Karl's horses are in good form and are running well and that's all we can ask for. Karl is in Doncaster trying to buy more!" further disclosed Ryan. The Stewards requested a report from Karl Thornton, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Guido Reni, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Sean Thornton, Authorised representative for the trainer reported that their charge appeared to appreciate the good ground conditions having previously raced on heavier ground. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report. (TW & EM)
