Gambled on Cold stays on Best up Galway hill

Best Served Cold under Davy Russell stayed on best up the Galway hill to land the Barna Waste Novice Hurdle for his trainer Michael Hourigan.

Having opened this morning at 20/1 the son of King's Theatre was well supported and opened on course at just 14/1. He was again well punted on track and went off at just 8/1.

Having won on his debut in a point-to-point at Affane in November of last year he was then beaten on his next two starts between the flags.

He got back to winning ways at Belclare in March of this year before finishing fifth on his two bumper starts at Roscommon and Tipperary respectively.

On his first start over hurdles today, the 5yo gelding was a moderate third at the second last behind the market principles Just For Joe and Laganbank

However he closed on the leaders and was switched to challenge on the run-in staying on best to lead close home, going on to score by a length and three parts at the line.

Just For Joe at 7/4 kept on for second for local trainer Hannah Lee with Shay Barry aboard while the 11/8 favourite Laganbank was a further length and a quarter back in third for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

Winning trainer Michael Hourigan said afterwards: "This horse is crying out for fences and wants further than this.

"It's great for Michael (winning owner Michael O'Leary) who is having a great run with his horses at the moment.

"He won two point-to-point's and is a horse to look forward too."