Newlands Gold runs eye-catching Pierse Hurdle trial

NEWLANDS GOLD staked his claim as a realistic Pierse Hurdle candidate when scoring a smooth success in the Fairyhouse Handicap Hurdle at Fairyhouse yesterday.

The five-year-old’s six length win over even-money favourite Jirlan, to which he was conceding 24lb., was greeted with mixed feelings by trainer Michael O’Brien, delighted with the gelding’s performance but fearful of the discretionary penalty which handicapper Noel O’Brien will impose for next week’s big handicap.

Only a third racecourse winner for 7lb. claimer Tommy Ryan, Newlands Gold mastered the flattering favourite at the final flight before powering clear for a convincing success.