Scope lands the odds for in-form duo

Scope To Improve galloped on powerfully in the closing stages to land the odds in the Connolly’s Red Mills EBF Auction Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel, for in-form pair Darragh O’Keeffe and Henry de Bromhead.

The Telescope gelding had won a bumper at Naas last December before finding life tougher in Grade 2 company at Aintree in April. He went to post a 2/7 shot on his hurdling debut today.

He was very keen in O’Keeffe’s hands early on but settled into things after a few hurdles and was produced to dispute on the bridle turning for home.

The hotpot was long at the second last and landed slightly awkwardly but asserted over the final flight to post a five-length success over Themanintheanorak

"He is a bit keen and is mad to get on with things and in fairness to Darragh, he did a great job in settling him in behind the leader,” said de Bromhead.

“He jumped well, he seemed to pick up nicely and Darragh was happy with him.

"It was a slow run race and he picked up well so we'll keep feeling our way with him and it is about keeping the lid on him. He was fresh today but hopefully will calm down with more racing.

"I'm delighted for brothers Paddy and Paul Hale (owners) and he is a horse we like at home, so we were hoping he'd do that."