River’s smashing start over fences

GALWAY Hurdle hero Cloone River made a smashing start over fences when outclassing his rivals in the Meadowlands Hotel Beginners Chase at Tralee yesterday.

On ground officially heavy, Cloone River was offered as high as 6-4 in the ring, hardening into a returned price of 11-10.

Fears about his ability to handle the surface proved unfounded, although the fact the contest was so slowly run was obviously a help