RACING:THE MARKET pointed to Four Commanders in the Holy Cross Maiden Hurdle at Thurles yesterday and the Mouse Morris-trained gelding duly did the business when making all under Davy Russell.

The Gigginstown House Stud five-year-old looked to have plenty on his plate as Shifa and Bobowen threw down challenges at the second last. However, the son of Old Vic galloped on strongly and was always in command, going on to beat Shifa by a length-and-three-quarters.

The winner was backed from 7 to 2 into 2 to 1 before racing and the support continued on track as he was eventually sent off the 5 to 4 favourite. He had been placed on his first two outings over hurdles but had disappointed at the track last time when a blunder four out put paid to his chances.

“He’s a full-brother to Kicking King and won like that today. Not like the hiccup he had the last day,” revealed Morris. “I’ve no real plans but he’s a horse to go chasing with next year.”

Russell completed a quick double in the Gigginstown colours when Crash held off the late surge of Lambro in the Cashel Maiden Hurdle. Russell had sent his mount to the head of affairs going out on the final circuit but Lambro emerged as a big threat after the second last when travelling well under Paul Townend. He was asked to chase down his fellow 13 to 8 joint-favourite from the last but just failed to find a way past his rival, going down by short-head to the Michael Hourigan-trained gelding.

“He’s a nice horse to look forward to,” said Hourigan.

Cash And Go looked a nice prospect when making a winning debut in the concluding bumper for Edward O’Grady. Catch Me’s half-brother moved through to challenge before the straight and had too many guns for Kick For Touch on the run-in.

The Sulamani gelding pulled clear in good style in the closing stages to post a seven-length winning margin under “Corky” Carroll. The winner was well supported from a morning price of 7 to 2 into 9 to 4 favourite on course. “It can be difficult to know the value of the form in these four-year-old bumpers but we think he is a nice horse,” said O’Grady.

“There are a couple of nice four-year-old winners bumpers in this country but we could have the option of going further afield.

“Hopefully he’ll improve and we’ll look forward to going hurdling next season. The rider said he ran a bit green.”