Donal Murphy
Jack & Jody make a great team
Jody McGarvey is all smiles as Jack The Hat crosses the line in front
© Photo Healy Racing
Jack The Hat powered up the hill to take the Tramore Amusement Park & Leisure Centre Handicap Hurdle under Jody McGarvey for Noel 'Iggy' Lawlor.
Sent off the 5/1 favourite, the eight-year-old son of Dr Massini was a moderate sixth after the third last, but he got going in the straight, staying on best away from the last to score by two and a quarter lengths. Ennisnag finished back in second at 20/1 under Mick Darcy for Michael Moran, while Chebona Bula (14/1) was a short head back in third under Mickey Butler for Eoin Doyle. Katys Girl completed the placings, twelve lengths back in fourth under Keith Donoghue for Gillian Callaghan at 8/1.
Lawlor said afterwards: "Jody gave him a hell of a ride. He is riding like a man possessed.
"He is in again at Kilbeggan on Friday and he might go there.
"He doesn’t like tacky ground, Jody said he couldn’t breathe going down the back and he waited until the straight with him.
"I have to thank Rory Cleary, he rides this fellow out every morning and he told me that he would win again today."