Luddsdenene wins eased down for Rothwell

Luddsdenene ran out an easy winner of the Munster Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Paul Townend for trainer Philip Rothwell.

The nine-year-old son of Beneficial last tasted success way back in January of 2011, when scoring at Punchestown, but he hinted at a return to form when running well on his last start at Down Royal on St Stephens Day, where he finished second to Royal Flight.

Settled towards the rear, the successful bay gelding made headway on the outside after the fourth last, and he hit the front before the next.

He went a couple of lengths clear before the straight, and he was pushed along between the final two flights to maintain his advantage, before he was eased down close home, scoring by five and a half lengths at the line. Gold Not Silver (opened at 11/2 on-course) was sent off the 4/1 favourite, and he finished back in second under Kevin Sexton for Adrian Joyce, while Kalico Kalista was a further three parts of a length back in third under Davy Russell for John Ryan at 11/1. The Two Jays came in for plenty of support on-course, going from 8/1 to 5/1, but he could only manage a disappointing tenth under Jody McGarvey for Christy Donoghue.

Philip Rothwell said afterwards: "All the credit for this goes to my brother Ronan, it was totally down to him, as he got the horse back to form.

"He was a very good horse two years ago but he then lost his way. He had a couple of wind operations but then I was giving up on him.

"Ronan kept the faith in him and sent him for another wind op but I still wasn’t sure he was back to himself.

"The last time was the first day he had a tongue tie on and we had it on him again today.

"He is probably better going left handed and we will try and find another handicap hurdle or beginners chase for him.

"I’ve had a bad day so far. My horse in the previous race, Udo’s Choice, was withdrawn as I forgot to put the cheekpieces on him.

"It is the first time that has ever happen to me and it was my own mistake. I am very embarrassed by it as his owner Oliver Barden is one of my most supportive owners."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes