McAuley thrilled as fragile Hathiq wins a thriller

The Treo Eile, Retraining Ireland's Racehorses Handicap saw Hathiq (18/1) win by a nose from Ever Rock

Several held chances inside the final furlong including the 3/1 favourite Amazing Emma who had to settle for third in the end.

Hathiq was prominent from an early stage under Luke McAteer and, having been joined by Ever Rock close home, battled on well to win on the nod.

It was a fifth career win for the 7-year-old who won three times for Denis Hogan in 2019, the last of which was off a mark of 90.

After his last time out fourth at Bellewstown, the Exceed And Excel gelding was down to a rating of 68 here.

Winning owner/trainer James McAuley said: “If I started to tell you all his problems it would take up a whole page. He's been a nightmare and people have told me to retire him but he's not happy unless he's riding out.

“It's been a long way back and he's improved so much, even from Bellewstown. That was a warning shot, he just didn't handle the track at all there.

“He was always going to be dangerous, as he's well handicapped, if he could stand up to it. The poor horse is on the vet's list every day he comes.

“I'm delighted to get him back. Of all the winners we've had winning with him definitely ranks up there.

“I definitely didn't think we were up and I would have been delighted with second as it's been such a long road back with him. Touch wood, it all worked out.

“He'll be better with any type of ease in the ground and we genuinely didn't decide to run until 11.30 today.

“We've never been more undecided about running. I told Luke if he didn't handle the ground to ease him down and make sure he comes back safe.”

Quotes from Gary Carson