Paul Nolan's yard is in excellent form and his Clan Tara in the Gigginstown House Stud colours, landed the featured Grade 2 Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles today.

The son of Kayf Tara, under Davy Russell, made most of the running, and although joined and strongly pressed by The Bishop Looney in the straight, kept on well for a game neck win.

Afterwards Nolan reported "we had to decide beforehand whether to ride Clan Tara positively or drop him in and it eventually worked out well."

He added "Clan Tara has been very consistent all season but won't go to Cheltenham. We'll wait for Fairyhouse and Punchestown provided the ground isn't too fast."