Course specialist Catch Me wins again

Brian O'Connell took the riding honours with a 46/1 treble at Listowel on Monday, and he was among the winners again when You Can't Catch Me landed the Orchard Thieves Handicap Hurdle in impressive fashion.

The Kieran Purcell-trained gelding recorded a narrow win over course and distance last month but O'Connell had things much easier here, with 7/2 favourite Cabarete exiting at the opening hurdle.

The 6/1 chance travelled well to lead at the penultimate flight, and settled the issue with a fine leap at the last.

The seven-year-old gelding, who has now gained three of his four career wins at this venue, cruised clear on the run-in to score by seven lengths. Hatch Hall took the runner-up spot, with Pleased As Punch another half a length away in third.

Purcell said, "He is after improving half a stone since the last day here. I thought the ground was a little softer today and that it might catch him out but he handled it lovely.

"Brian gave him a great ride, he kept him on the outer for the good ground. They did a great job on the watering but maybe for a horse that wants good ground it might be too much. I didn't even look to see what is coming up for him, we take it day by day with horses."

(DM & AM)