Loop lands gamble for Roche and McManus

Out Of The Loop asserted in the closing stages to land a significant gamble in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse.

Christy Roche 's charge was all the rage having been backed from 6/1 this morning and eventually went off the 5/4 favourite.

Mark Walsh, hot off the heels of a four-timer yesterday at Limerick, produced the JP McManus-owned gelding to challenge turning for home and he was in front jumping the second last. Nobody Home was a strong challenger going to the final flight but Out Of The Loop found plenty on the run to gain a three-and-a-quarter length victory.

The winner had been a promising fifth in his first handicap start at Down Royal last month.

Padraig Roche, the trainer's son and assistant:- "He's one that has improved from every race, so if he keeps doing that he's a grand horse. He's still a baby and is only turning five, so hopefully he can keep improving.

"Mark gave him a great ride, and he likes that ground and that trip."

(Quotes by Alan Magee)