Clopf heads red-letter day for Dr Massini

25th April 2007

Clopf (6g Dr Massini-Chroma by Supreme Leader) spearheaded a fantastic first day of the Punchestown Festival for Dr Massini when winning the Grade 1 vcbet.com Champion Novice Hurdle.

The six-year-old, who was bred by his trainer Edward O’Grady, had missed the Cheltenham Festival after a small setback but looked a top-class performer when justifying strong support to land the Grade 1 contest.

"I think he was a little ring rusty coming to the second last but he battled well and I was really pleased with him," said O’Grady.

"I hope he’s actually better than today’s run and hopefully there is a lot to look forward to with him. He showed real resilience and toughness today."

Clopf was cut to 20/1 for next year’s Champion Hurdle and O’Grady is hoping his charge will be a live contender at Cheltenham in March.

"He’ll be back over hurdles next season and we may look at an early season campaign as he goes on good ground. Hopefully there’s a lot to look forward to with him. Had things gone to plan I think he would have been a worthy favourite for the Supreme Novices’ at Cheltenham."

Dr Massini went on to complete a memorable double when Gonebeyondrecall (Dr Massini - Green Walk by Green Shoon), bred by Mrs S L Jackson, ran away with the €75,000 Goffs Land Rover Bumper by nine lengths for owner-trainer Noel Glynn.

These latest victories follow hot on the heels of a Grade 1 success at the Cheltenham Festival for Dr Massini when Massini’s Maguire (6g Dr Massini-Molly Maguire by Supreme Leader) was an impressive winner of the G1 Ballymore Properties Novices’ Hurdle.