Ninth win for Pakens Rock

Ten year old Pakens Rock (16/1) registered a ninth career success today, landing Thurles' Safe & Happy Christmas Handicap Hurdle for his adoring trainer Barry Murphy, jockey Robbie Geoghegan and owner Ray Healy.

Pakens Rock's first win was at today's venue in a 2018 bumper and having also landed a 2020 course hurdle, has also won twice at Kilbeggan and four times at his local Galway.

Today jockey Geoghegan held the son of Central Park in mid-field, with the pair powering home on the run-in, to score by 3.75 lengths from Big Island

Restricted trainer Murphy was on lead-up duty and mentioned “that's nine wins and I'm delighted, although his owner Ray (Healy) couldn't be here today. He runs with his heart on his sleeve every day.”