Loup lunges late in dramatic finish

Loup De Tallane snatched victory late on in a dramatic finish to the Slaney View Motors Handicap Hurdle at Wexford. Doyen Ta Win looked home and hosed entering the straight having built up an early lead which he extended going out on the final circuit.

Loup De Tallane was still at least 10 lengths down on landing over the penultimate flight but the long-time leader started to tie-up on the run-in.

Gavin Brouder got a good tune from Loup De Tallane in the closing stages as the chestnut got up in the shadow of the post for a neck victory.

The Eoin Griffin-trained gelding had been well backed from 16/1 this morning into 9/2 on course.

The winning trainer said:- "My heart was crossways leaving the back straight but we will call it a well-timed run! Turning for home my words were choice to be honest.

"I'm delighted for the owners, David Field and Eddie Alyward, as they have stuck with this horse through all of his niggly little problems. Everything was just going wrong with him.

“They've put a lot of money into him over the last 18 months with veterinary fees. It's great that he has done it and repaid them today, they have been very patient.

"I always thought there was couple of races in him and we will look for something similar for him now."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)