Thurles report: First double leaves David O’Brien feeling like ‘a proper trainer’

The undercard at Thurles today provided a special moment for Piltown, Co Kilkenny trainer David O’Brien

Cusp Of Carabelli and Sean Flanagan (near) wins the We're In This Together Handicap Steeplechase from Rocky's Silver (far). Picture: Healy Racing

The feature at Thurles was the Grade 3 Markaye Contracts Ltd Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle, won in tremendous fashion by Grand Paradis, but the undercard provided a special moment for Piltown, Co Kilkenny trainer David O’Brien as Cusp Of Carabelli followed up Minx Tiara’s success to give him the first double of his training career.

The Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares’ Novice Chase was weakened by the absence of likely favourite Waitnsee, but there was plenty to like about the winning performance of Minx Tiara. The chasing debutant, ridden by Sean Flanagan, was well supported to belie her lack of experience, and she duly travelled with zest and coasted home clear of Imitation Game, who won a point to point on her previous start.