Hogan earns his fees on Glandore

Ocean Glandore close up when falling at the penultimate fence at Down Royal last month, successfully reverted back to the smaller obstacles to land the Sean Rothwell Construction Handicap Hurdle at Bellewstown.

Trained and ridden by Denis Hogan, the 10/1 chance took a while to get into contention but found plenty under pressure on the run-in to take this three-mile event by half a length. Wandering Aengus looked set to score approaching the final flight but could find no extra in the closing stages and was even edged out of the runner-up spot by first reserve Udo's Choice

Hogan said, "I was on holidays and am out of breath after that. He's a dour stayer and won a maiden at Ballinrobe last year. He fell in a chase in the north the last day when going okay. He'll go back chasing and is a nice horse for the summer.

"He needed every yard of it and doesn't make it easy for you. On the first circuit I was niggling away, and they came back to him. He saves a bit for himself but those ones are better as they are conserving a bit of energy.

"The owners, Lostwelton Syndicate, are an enthusiastic bunch of lads from Monivea in Galway."

(GC & AM)