McGill times it well on Herculaneum

Herculaneum came from last to first under Oran McGill to take the honours in the Holycross Handicap Hurdle at Thurles.

Another patiently-ridden horse, Ricky Bobby was played first by David Doyle and eased through on the inner to lead before the last.

At this stage, Herculaneum was fourth, however, he ran on powerfully on the run-in to claim Ricky Bobby inside the final 100 yards.

Herculaneum (13/2) prevailed by a neck for trainer Noel Kelly from gambled-on Ricky Bobby (8/1 - 11/2). Must Go Now was a length and a-quarter off this battle in third at 20/1 from 33s.

McGill said: "He loved being ridden in a way where he has something to aim at and when he gets to the front he doesn't do too much. I rode him out wide, but it suits him that way.

"I'd say he might get a break now and, hopefully, can keep improving away. There might be another one in him, but it just has to work out on the day."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes