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Mark Nunan

Mark Nunan

Gua Du Large another for Blackmore and de Bromhead

Thu 26th Nov 2020, 14:08

Gua Du Large and Rachael Blackmore are left clear as Paul Townend is thrown clear of last-flight faller GjoumiGua Du Large and Rachael Blackmore are left clear as Paul Townend is thrown clear of last-flight faller Gjoumi
© Photo Healy Racing

Supporters of 5/6 favourite Gua De Large would have been very hopeful from an early stage in the 4-year-old maiden hurdle as the Kapgarde gelding settled much better in second than his free-running market rival Gjoumi

The latter wouldn’t drop the bit in front for Paul Townend and it was no surprise to see the market leader take over on the run to the final flight.

It wasn’t a done deal when Gjoumi (only about a length down) stepped at that final flight and came down, but the likelihood was that the Robcour-owned winner would have done enough to score in any event.

As it was, the Rachael Blackmore-partnered winner was left clear to win by 23 lengths from longshot Landa Beach (125/1). Gua Du Large had dead-heated for second behind Cheltenham Bumper third Queens Brook on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse last month.

Winning trainer Henry de Bromhead said: "I'm delighted with that - he is still very babyish and it is all new to him. He is a nice horse obviously and hopefully he'll keep progressing.

"Rachael said he was pretty green when he came off it (the bridle) and she was happy with him.

"I'm delighted to get the win for Robcour and we'll aim for something at Christmas."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
5/6Fav
Tote €1.70 €1.02
2nd
23L
125/1
€12.40
3rd
4L
18/1
€3.30
4th
17L
40/1
About Mark Nunan
Mark has followed racing since he was a teenager and worked for many years as a broadcaster with the Irish version of Racecall. He joined the Press Association in 2019 and is also a contributor to the Racing Post. A native of Kildare, he now lives in Sligo.