Theanniversary Man delights Barcoe in Thurles Theanniversary Man finished well for Daniel King as the pair claimed Division One of the William Hill Challenge Series Handicap Hurdle over an extended two-miles in Thurles. Hidalgo Des Mottes gamely attempted to make the best way home after two out but, in truth, a wall of horses held chances in behind. Theanniversary Man and Gino Bello threw down their challenges on either side of the leader along the run-in and in the latter stages Theanniversary Man finished with a real flourish to score by two and three-quarter lengths at 5/1. Hidalgo Des Mottes (7/1) held on to second by a length over Gino Bello who halved in price to 8/1. Jimmy Barcoe said: "He is a lovely uncomplicated horse who had a lovely run (sixth at Clonmel) the first day for us and backed it up. I am lucky to have him, he is a good scopey horse and we liked him when we bought him. He had plenty of form, had some lovely runs and I thought he would fit the profile of one that we'd like to have. "He was obviously running from the bottom rating and is six turning seven, but doesn't have a lot of runs. Dan was very good on him today and this is brilliant to get." This was his second run for Barcoe having formerly been with Frank John Hayes. He struck for the first time at the 12th time of asking. Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
