D Art D Art gets back on track

After an encouraging run on the level at Listowel last month, D Art D Art returned to winning ways in the 2025 Membership On Sale Soon Handicap Hurdle.

Twice successful prior to this win, the Tom Cooper-trained five-year-old failed to justify favouritism three times earlier this year.

Fourth to Seddon on his return to action at Listowel, the French bred bay was sent off a 6/1 chance today.

Settled towards rear on the inner by Donagh Meyler, the 119-rated chestnut still had plenty to do in seventh from two out.

Soon ridden and switched to the outer, he found plenty for pressure, getting up in the final strides to beat Missus Beeton (5/1 from 12s) by a short head.

The runner-up travelled best when getting to the front before the last but she ultimately couldn't hold on.

The front pair were three lengths clear of the hat-trick seeking Pray Tell (9/2), with 7/2 favourite Park Of Kings finishing a disappointing tenth.

"I fancied him no end if he didn't create havoc in the ring which he did in Listowel," Cooper reflected.

"We put the hood on him today and took a gadget off him and left him to his own devices and he was A1.

"He just got up on the line but he got the job done. He's a fair horse as he's won his bumper and a maiden hurdle.

"We've changed tactics, dropped him in and he loved passing horses. He'll go further and he'll handle a dig in the ground."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Park Of Kings, trained by Paul Nolan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee