Abbey collars Legend in thrilling finish

There was an exciting finish to the John J. Galvin Handicap Hurdle, the fourth race on the card at Listowel this afternoon, with the Christy Roche trained Abbey Glen just getting the better of the 13/8 favourite Bideford Legend

The winning son of Presenting was completing a hat-trick of wins here having won two handicap hurdles over the last few months, a two mile contest at Navan in March and a three miler at Gowran in April. Sebadee the runner-up and Define jumped the second last together, with the latter unshipping his rider Mark Walsh just after that flight when still with every chance.

Bideford Legend then raced a few lengths clear approaching the last and looked set for victory before the winner flew up the run in to just get up on the line for Alan Crowe at 8/1.

The runner-up was giving the winner over a stone in weight and that probably made the difference at the line.

King of Redfield for John Hanlon finished a further six lengths back in third at 14/1.

Frank Berry racing manager for the winning owner JP McManus said afterwards: "He jumped well, he put his head down from the back of the last and ran on well. Today's ground was lovely and that was a big help to him.

"He was lucky to come out the right side of the photo finish and he will be kept on the go now".