Real Steel and Paul Townend clear the final hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Willie Mullins was out of luck with a couple of short-priced favourites earlier on the card at Thurles but Real Steel made a very pleasing Irish debut for the champion trainer when landing the odds in the Cahir Maiden Hurdle.
The French import was sent off the 8/13 favourite in this 18-runner maiden, and the two-mile event soon narrowed down to just a two-horse affair in the straight.
Paul Townend’s mount edged ahead of Daly Tiger before the final flight and kept on well to score by four and a half lengths.
The pair stretched a further 16 lengths clear of Stacks Mountain in third.
Paddy Power cut the winner from 33/1 into 16/1 for the Supreme Novices Hurdle.
Two smart prospects - Real Steel is a winner on Irish debut at @thurlesraces, pulling clear of previous winner Daly Tiger for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend: pic.twitter.com/fotYemtIlq— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 30, 2017
Two smart prospects - Real Steel is a winner on Irish debut at @thurlesraces, pulling clear of previous winner Daly Tiger for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend: pic.twitter.com/fotYemtIlq
Mullins said, "He jumped a bit big early on but once he got the hang of the Irish hurdles, he was slick. He was lucky enough to get a run through on the inside (at the third last) when the leader was hanging off the rails.
"I thought two miles would be fine for him but Paul said he'd like to step him go up in trip so we'll see what presents itself. After that first bit of experience, he'll be a lot sharper over two miles the next time.
"It was a tough race and either of the two (also runner Daly Tiger) could have won any maiden hurdle this week. It was unfortunate they met - for Noel's (Meade) sake anyway!"
(TW & AM)
