Curragh Golan back in the winning groove

Curragh Golan took the spoils in the two and half mile handicap hurdle, but only after Just For Joe had made a bold bid to slip the field.

Just For Joe and Andrew Ring, a 33/1 outsider, raced clear throughout but held a diminishing lead approaching the final furlong. At the furlong pole he was reeled in by Curragh Golan (12/1) and Lost Book the 10/3 favourite. At the last hurdle a better jump from Curragh Golan got him into gear quicker and he was always holding Lost Book who went down by a length and three parts.

Just For Joe grabbed third place money for his endeavours. The front three finished clear of the fourth placed horse Much Wants More

The Killtippford Syndicate comprises five members. Two are from Kilkenny and one hails from Waterford while Tom O’Neill and Michael Ryan are Tipperary men. Garrett James Power trains the nine-year-old for them.

Tom O’Neill said: “It looked like he lost his action and he slipped coming round the bend the last day. We don’t know what was wrong. Garrett got the vet to examine him and he was perfect so we came here. He’s a summer horse and Garrett had him in great order.”

Curragh Golan was successful over course and distance two runs back. He was pulled up last-time out in Cork.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes