Full takes first for Hughes & Cooper

The opening race of the evening at Limerick, the Ladies Day 9th October Maiden Hurdle, went the way of Half Full for Dessie Hughes and Bryan Cooper.

The 5yo son of Traditionally was having his sixth career start today and was installed the early morning favourite at 2/1 after finishing third on his last start at Clonmel.

However he drifted on track and was returned the 11/4 second favourite, with Soul Of Aran sent off the 5/2 jolly (in from his morning price of 7/2) for Noel Meade and Davy Condon.

That fellow could only manage fifth in the end as the always prominent winner, led soon after turning into the straight and despite being pressed at the last, stayed on well under pressure to assert on the run-in.

The eventual runner-up Fantastic Bob at 8/1, for Austin Leahy & Tom Doyle, looked a big danger to the winner at the second last but he didn't have the pace of Half Full and went down by a length at the line. Combustible Kate ran a nice race on her track debut to finish a further five and a half lengths back in third for Henry De Bromhead at 8/1.

Winning trainer Dessie Hughes said afterwards: "He was entitled to win that on his last run.

"He did it well and stays well. He will probably get three miles in time.

"He is a summer horse and will go for a winners of one next."

Donal Murphy