Denis O'Regan impressed by point-and-steer win of 'superb' Grand Roi

Denis O'Regan made virtually all on Grand Roi to land the Grade 2 Grant Thornton Hurdle, then admitted: "I didn't expect it to be that straightforward."

But the quality displayed by the son of Spanish Moon ensured it was almost as simple as point and steer.

It was virtually a two-horse race from the start between Grand Roi and closest pursuer Indiana Jones, but the latter will have to wait another day to find his lost ark.

He began to flag when the winner increased the pace between the final two flights and stretched clear to score by eight lengths.

Indiana Jones deserved better than to be mugged on the line by Wolf Prince for second place.

O'Regan was impressed by the winner's performance and said: "His jumping was just superb on the ground. He travelled beautifully throughout and has the makings of a very nice horse."

He added: "I reckon he ran better than the form suggested over 2m5f at Galway last time, and popping him out and letting him use his jumping here over two miles worked.

"It's taken him time to readjust to his new surroundings but he seems to be a nice horse."

Willie Mullins has had few setbacks over the Christmas period, but his even money favourite Galopin Des Champs barely raised any sort of gallop and was pulled up by Danny Mullins before two out. He was found to be clinically abnormal.

Area's defies Baltimore Bucko

One of a group of six jumpers sent by legendary American jumps trainer Jonathan Sheppard to be campaigned in Ireland over the winter made his debut, and it was almost the perfect start.

The four-year-old Baltimore Bucko is unlikely to have run on ground as deep as this before, and the way he pulled was unlikely to have enhanced his chances in the opening rated novice hurdle.

Yet, under rider Ger Galligan, he held every chance coming to the final flight. However, an overexuberant jump meant he landed in a heap and his chance was surrendered.

The race was won by the Martin Hassett-trained No Grey Area's under amateur Pa King, who had to sit and suffer while waiting for a gap to appear in the straight.

When it did appear after the final flight, the horse seized the opportunity and quickened to score by a length-and-a-quarter from Blanketontheground, with Baltimore Bucko a close third.

"You haven't seen the best of this horse yet," said Hassett. "We were worried about the ground but to his credit it was Pa King who told us to run. He gave him an absolutely brilliant ride."

Results, replays and analysis

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