Intersky Falcon showed once again what a smart performer he is with a second successive victory in the John James McManus Memorial Hurdle at Tipperary today. The Jonjo O'Neill-trained six-year-old adopted his usual front-running tactics and jumped fluently to lead main market rival Back In Front (6-4) throughout.
Liam Cooper really stepped on the gas approaching the home turn and was well clear when Back In Front stumbled after the second-last. The 8-13 favourite came home with an impressive 12 lengths to spare over Edward O'Grady's hope, who scored a facile success in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham last March.
Paddy Power cut Intersky Falcon to 12-1 from 16s for the Smurfit Champion Hurdle at next year's Cheltenham Festival. Back in Front is 7-1 second favourite behind 4-1 market leader Rooster Booster.
Filed by Brendan Cole
