Double delight for Curling at Clonmel

REIGNING SUPREME:  Queenofthelodge wins the Derrinlaur Mares' Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Philip Enright. Picture:  Healy Racing 

Though the National Hunt season proper is only on the verge of springing into life, shrewd trainer Sam Curling is already having his best season as a trainer, and he added two more to his tally by completing a 79-1 double on Thursday's card in Clonmel.

With three 5-1 co-favourites, the Derrinlaur Mares' Handicap Hurdle looked like a wide-open contest, but one of those market leaders, Queenofthelodge, turned it into a procession. Phillip Enright sent Curling's mare past long-time leader Chosen Shant three out, and thereafter was in control, even when landing awkwardly at the back of the final flight.