Outsider Hawk denies front-running Polly

Some Hawk sprang a 20/1 surprise in the International Hotel Killarney Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Mark Walsh for Tom Mullins.

The five-year-old son of Presenting finished second in the valuable Tattersalls Ireland Sales Bumper at the Fairyhouse last year, while he was third on his next outing, just over seven lengths behind Very Wood, in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival.

He since disappointed on four starts over flights, but on this his second start in handicap company he found his form.

Settled towards the rear by Alan Crowe, he took closer order as they approaching the straight for the final time, and he moved into fourth after the third last.

He made further progression into second in between the final two flights, and hit the front soon after the last, keeping on well from there to score by three lengths. Pollywollydoodle (12/1) put in a brave front running performance under Eddie O’Connell for Eoin Griffin, but she had to settle for second at the finish, while Same Da Vinci (9/1) was a further twelve lengths back in third under Danny Mullins for his father Tony. Memories Of Milan was sent off the well-backed 9/4 favourite, under Ger Fox for John Queally, and he completed the placings, two and a half lengths back in fourth.

Tom Mullins said afterwards: "On his bumper form he would have won by a street, but he had lost his way a bit, and heavy ground didn’t suit, and I’m putting it down to the heavy ground.

"He will go for something similar now and I hope the handicapper isn't too hard on him."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes