Elliott's Staffordshire Knot gallops to smooth success in Clonmel Strang Hurdle

Meanwhile, Mystic Malina showed stamina in abundance when landing a gamble in the opener, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle

Staffordshire Knot and Carl Millar won the Jim Strang & Sons Kilsheelan Peugeot Hurdle. Pic: Healy Racing

The highlight of Tuesday’s card in Clonmel was the Jim Strang And Sons (Peugeot) Hurdle and Staffordshire Knot followed up his recent victory at Punchestown with a smooth success.

An eyecatcher on return, he built on that with victory in a competitive handicap at Punchestown, and despite this being just 10 days on, he always looked on good terms with himself, and his rider, Carl Millar, completely in control of matters.

Sporting the Gigginstown House Stud colours, the Gordon Elliott-trained seven-year-old took over on the long run between the third-last and second-last, and never looked in a moment’s danger as he raced home clear of French Dynamite.

“Very nice performance,” said Millar. “The ground was a big help today. I know there was an inspection this morning, but I was hoping the rain would keep coming. He lets himself down on that ground and actually enjoys the job again. He’s a nice horse.” 

Referencing the quick turnaround from Punchestown, he added: “That is always the issue but he bounced out of that race really well and was in flying form at home, so when the race came up, it was a case of ‘why not?’

Carl Millar holds the winning trophy. Pic: Healy Racing

“The class is all there and this year he is more mature and is thriving on that softer ground.” 

Mystic Malina showed stamina in abundance when landing a gamble in the opener, the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle.

The point-to-point winner was well beaten on her only previous outing over timber but clearly much better was expected this time.

Harry Sexton, under instruction from in-form trainer Donie Murphy, Midleton, sent his mount on with just under two furlongs to go, and she picked up really nicely to see off Loyal Praetorian, who was the subject of late support. It was a second winner in a week for the trainer, Alright Darling having obliged this day last week in Tramore.

Said the winning rider: “She was a pleasure to ride, very simple. The trainer made it easy on me: he said to keep it simple and commit early enough because she’ll pick up plenty, and she’s good and genuine.

“I was happy with the way we were going because my mare was good and sweet. I was following the horse I always wanted to be following, which was the favourite, and as we were coming into the straight, I had to leave that horse behind at that point because I was going better. I committed and ended up getting there quite nicely.”

Finnicky Filly and Mikey Kenneally win the William Hill Handicap Hurdle. Pic: Healy Racing

Michael Kenneally gave the John Ryan-trained Finnicky Filly a well-judged ride to take the William Hill Each Way Extra Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle. The seven-year-old mare travelled sweetly to get into contention and won readily. Her recent chasing debut here, on which she finished fourth behind Kobalt St Georges suggested she could soon also be winning in that sphere.

The qualified riders’ maiden looked as deep as the ground on a day requiring plenty of attrition, and Parnell Street proved best under a strong ride by Adam Ryan. A bumper winner for Andy Slattery, he had something to find with That Danny Feeling on their meeting in a bumper at Listowel, but showed a good attitude and quality to match as he turned around the form with two and a half lengths to spare.

Great Island landed a nice touch in the first division of the Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle, though it took plenty of persuasion form Calum Hogan to get the job done. Maciver dug in incredibly deep as the race rose to a climax, but Eoin Griffin’s horse was not to be denied, and he edged ahead close home to score by half a length.

Dick Donohoe’s small team is in great form, and after Daboya’s success last week at Thurles, and the near miss form Hale Bopp in Dundalk a day earlier, it was down to Ballinaboola Jet to highlight the yard’s rude health by taking the second division of the Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle. Richie Deegan took his time early, delivered his mount to lead at the last hurdle, and rode him out to beat market leader Spanish John.

Recent weeks have been unusually quiet by Gavin Cromwell’s standards,but Bridie’s Beau had him back amongst the winners when taking the novice handicap chase. Keith Donoghue bided his time before bringing his mount with a late rush to claim a comprehensive victory.

There was an exciting finish to the year’s finale at Clonmel, the Clonmel Racecourse Supporters’ Club Only €100 To Join Beginners’ Chase, in which He’s Gorgeous, ridden by Danny Mullins for Pat Fahy, battled gamely to deny fellow 4-1 joint-favourite On Your Way by half a length, with outsider Moudan running a fine race be finish a close third.