Thurles report:Eoin Griffin's Kazal completed a five-timer with another gutsy performance in the Michael Purcell Memorial Novice Hurdle at Thurles yesterday.
Griffin decided against taking the six-year-old to Cheltenham in favour of this Grade Two event, and his decision was justified as he came out on top of a real battle with Holly Tree.
Never far from the pace throughout under Barry Geraghty, the 5 to 6 favourite took up the running four flights from home but, as is his want, he became embroiled in a real set-to.
Despite being headed, a fluent leap at the last gave him the advantage and he ran on for a three-length win.
Chomba Womba stayed on to collar Holly Tree for second.
Griffin said: "The horse was really tough, I was a bit worried about the track not suiting him and Barry said the horse was beaten everywhere bar the finish.
"It confirms it was the right decision to come here as it was an easier race than it would have been at Cheltenham."
Glencove Marina (2 to 5 favourite) was another to miss Cheltenham in favour of an easier engagement and it paid off for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh.
Walsh opted to race wide throughout in search of better ground and was never off the bridle for a 16-length win over Spirit Run.
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