Courage comes good under Casey

Courage has been called a few names in the past but rewarded connections for their patience when claiming the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

David Casey delivered the 14/1 shot with a well-timed charge on the run-in to land the spoils in the three-mile contest. Seefood had stolen a few lengths on his rivals before the second last but couldn't hold the late surge of Charlie Swan's charge who got up for a three-parts-of-a length victory.

It was a long overdue victory for the gelding, who has had several runner-up efforts, and has shown a questionable attitude in the past.

“I've never ridden a more genuine horse!” quipped Casey afterwards.

“In fairness he has a bit of a reputation but there was only one day in Limerick when he dropped himself out for me and any other day I've rode him he has run genuinely.

“He ran well in Navan last time when they went too slow. He wants a strong pace, a distance and soft ground.

“It's great to win today with him. I thought I might have gone too early but the other horse was the danger and I had to give chase.

“In fairness he put his head down and galloped.”