Natural Breeze and Conor Owens © Photo Healy Racing
Natural Breeze made the most of his light weight to gain a deserved win in the Ger Murphy Plant Hire Handicap Hurdle at Tramore.
The consistent Shirocco gelding was close up with front-runner Thunder throughout and took over jumping the fourth last.
Philip Rothwell 's charge found plenty for Conor Owens when asked for a effort going to the second last, galloping on gamely to record a three-and-a-quarter length win over West Away
The winner was recording his second career success and his first since winning at Clonmel three years ago. He had been placed eight times in the interim.
Rothwell said: "He has been placed so many days and he deserved that. It's his second win and he has been pretty consistent, he is a great little horse.
“He was down the bottom of the handicap and we took seven off with Conor's claim. It's great for Conor, that's his third winner and he is improving away. He probably wants another year of experience under his belt to really get going. He is definitely on the up.
"That's 41 winners now and it's my best season to date. It was lovely to hit the 40 winners mark the other day. I've been fifth in the trainers table nearly all year and while behind me is something like 18, I'm still miles behind the first four.
“For a yard of 50 odd horses at the level we are at, it's magic. I've got massive support from owners and I have wonderful staff. Long may it last."
(Quotes by Donal Murphy)
