Accordion plays it cool to win in Tipp

Accordion Etoile did all that was required for consecutive victories in the betdaq.com Hurdle at Tipperary this afternoon.

Sent off the 1-3 favourite, Paul Nolan’s six-year-old was settled in fourth place by John Cullen for much of the Grade Three event.

The pair travelled smoothly into contention in the home straight, and though Accordion Etoile had to be ridden before the final flight, he scored comfortably enough by a length and a half.

Anno Jubilo led for most of the two miles before he was overtaken by Red Square Lady turning for home as rider Andrew McNamara went for glory.

However, Cullen did not panic when Accordion Etoile’s acceleration was not immediate, and the gelding pulled out enough on his first run since the Aintree Festival, while Red Square Lady had to settle for second ahead of Calorando.

Accordion Etoile is now 5-1 with Cashmans for the Guinness Galway Handicap Hurdle on July 28.