Ott off the mark with Ceiling

Dancingondaceiling clung on gamely at the finish to give trainer Alexander Ott his first winner under rules in the three-mile maiden hurdle at Limerick.

The Workforce gelding had won a point-to-point for the Mallow handler in February but went to post a 25/1 shot today having been well beaten in a Cork bumper at the start of this month.

Sean Flanagan soon had his mount disputing and he held the lead at halfway. Driscolls Hill who has been up at the head of affairs with him for much of the race, challenged turning for home but a better jump two out gave Dancingondaceiling the advantage.

The winner looked to be getting a bit tired late on but had enough left to repel that rival by half a length at the line.

Ott said afterwards:- "That's my first winner and we only have a handful of horses and a restricted license.

“I'm disabled (following a fall in 2015) so I am full-time with the horses, it is enough to keep me going and we do a small bit of farming.

"My two sons Andy and Luke both ride and Andy is in American at the moment and has eight winners ridden. He is on the 90 day visa and hopefully will be home before the point-to-point season finishes as he is still in with a chance in the novice riders championship."

He added:- "Dancingondaceiling won his point to point the same way - on soft ground, he stays mad (well) and makes ground at his jumps. He is a fair old horse.

"The (Singing In The Rain) syndicate are from Katurk, Meelin and Dromtarriffe and we'll discuss tactics with them now - maybe his ground is gone and he might have enough done for this season."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)