Stormalong justifies favouritism for trainer Ken Budds as John Shinnick steers home a double at Clonmel

Stormalong justified 11-4 favouritism to land the 2m4f mares' handicap hurdle, the third success of her career for trainer Ken Budds and the first part of a double for 5lb claimer John Shinnick.

The complexion of the race took a big swing when 5-1 shot Evening's Empire ran out before the seventh obstacle having built up a huge lead. 

After landing a 2m½f handicap at Tramore in August, Stormalong ran respectably to finish third on the Flat at Gowran and over hurdles at Listowel. However, the step up in trip worked well here as she scooted clear approaching the last before producing a huge leap and extending her advantage to six lengths over Wudya in second.

Budds said: "They didn't go quick enough for her at Listowel and she got caught back and wide. She had topweight today but she stays and is improving."

Shinnick steered home another winner in the penultimate 3m½f handicap hurdle when 11-1 shot Stellar Symphony landed her second success for trainer Terence O'Brien, defeating Crossing The Bar by a length and three-quarters.

Useful newcomer

Mystical Goddess landed the opening 2m1f maiden hurdle in good style for Henry de Bromhead and Darragh O'Keeffe, getting the better of 15-8 favourite Marcus Furius by four and three-quarter lengths.

The 10-3 shot was making her racecourse debut having landed a point at the second attempt in February, and is a sister to smart chaser Giovinco.

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