The Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle (3.00) takes centre stage at Thurles on Thursday afternoon where the first of seven races gets underway at 1.55pm.
Willie Mullins won this Grade 3 event 12 months ago with Tin Soldier and his sole representative among the six declared is Sympa Des Flos, the mount of his nephew Danny Mullins. The French import opened his account in Ireland when easily landing a Limerick 2m6f maiden last Christmas but failed to sparkle on his most recent visit to Thurles last month.
Gordon Elliott and Gigginstown House Stud are responsible for half the field with Blow By Blow, Gun Digger and Roaring Bull flying the flag for the in-form Cullentra Hourse trainer while the Jessica Harrington-trained Not Many Left and Articulum from the Terrence O’Brien Carrigtwohill stable complete the sextet.
Racing opens with the six-runner Thurles Racecourse Supporters Rated Chase (1.55) with plenty of local interest. Templemore trainer John Ryan is doubly represented with Kilcarry Bridge and Kylecrue while another local trainer Timmy Doyle runs the veteran Mallowney dropping down in class in the capable hands of Davy Russell.
The going at Thurles is soft on the chase course and soft to heavy on the hurdle/bumper course.
