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Review THURLES 25TH MAR

An opening race 271/1 double for 10Ib claimer, Rory Cleary was the unlikely headline to emerge from an eight race mixed card.

Anlon, outsider of five runners from the Michael Halford yard at 33/1, came out best in a tight three way drive for the line under Cleary in the auction maiden to initiate the brace.

Indeed this event saw an interesting side story emerge as nobody backed the well-related gelding on the tote and punters were thus refunded their win stakes.

The five times champion pony rider and brother of the late Sean, then went on to make it four career wins when bringing Port Natal through with a strong run to take the 1m h'cap for Pat Morris.

Cleary (16) made a poignant gesture of blowing a kiss heavenwards as he crossed the line and the Athlone teenager now has his claim reduced to 7Ib and heads the jockey's table.

Arbelina, the subject of a running and riding enquiry when unplaced over hurdles at Tramore last Saturday, stepped up significantly on that form with a 2L win in the 1m 4f h'cap.

Apprentice Brian Hughes (18), was gaining his 8th success on Willie Austin's 20/1 chance who had a tongue tie fitted here, something that had been absent previously.

Royal Alphabet had been a Supreme Novice possible until the last moment, and he overcame a 200-day absence to easily justify odds of 1/2 under David Casey for Willie Mullins in the novice hurdle.

Despite quite a serious second hurdle error, odds-on backers hadn't much to worry about from that point on and Mullins now has both Fairyhouse and Punchestown in mind for the 6yo.

Having his second start for Mags Mullins, Sea To Sky proved a length superior to favourite, Mister Virginian, in the hands of Keith Hadnett in the 2m maiden hurdle.

This fellow is owned by the Whitecats Syndicate, a 10-member group of GAA people from counties Kilkenny and Kildare. Notable members include, Willie McCreery, Martin Lynch and Charlie Carter.

Ballygowan Beauty won his first race back at the Listowel Festival in 1997 and Tommy Walker's 12yo made it a win for every year of his age when triumphing in the 2m 4f h'cap hurdle.

Brian Byrnes (23) was tasting success over hurdles for the first time aboard the nicely supported 2 1/2L winner who found 8/1 from an opening show of 12/1.

Elsewhere Tisn't Easy made it twelfth time lucky for Charlie Swan and Johnny Levins in the 2m 6f maiden hurdle.

Michael Finbarr Cotter (1st win on the track), employed Colin Motherway to do the steering on Santavino in the bumper, and the combination made all for a one length win.