After a 14/1 winner of the opener it didn’t get any easier for punters in race two at Listowel, the Kerrymaid Hurdle, which went the way of 10/1 chance Dr Mikey

Third market choice in this four horse field, Dr Mikey did it nicely from the front under Donie McInerney. Stratum at ‘fours on,’ was ridden patiently from the back by Paul Townend, but he came with his challenge and had every chance in the straight over the closing couple of hurdles.

In a lather of sweat he may have been, but Dr Mikey had enough left on the run-in to fend off Stratum by half a length.

Winning owners the Santry Power Walsh Syndicate were on hand for the success of their charge off a 140 day break.

Trainer Margaret Flynn reflected: "I'm waiting a long time to get a run again and brought him to Cork in July but the ground was too quick on the day.

"In October we might go back to Tipperary and school him over the racecourse fences a few times because his jumping fell apart after he got a fall. We'd have more options over fences with him as his options are very scarce.

"He is ground-dependant having had a ruptured tendon.

"I was so buzzed-up about it I cried and all today, it was the first time I cried with him!"

P. Townend, rider of Stratum (GB) trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.

(TW & EM)