Positive tactics prove fruitful for McDonagh's Thinker

Positive Thinker exploited a favourable mark over flights when battling on bravely under Adam Ryan to take the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R.) Handicap Hurdle at Limerick.

A consistent maiden over hurdles in 10 starts, the Michael McDonagh trained gelding had looked a much better horse over fences, winning both outings to date.

Reverting to hurdles off an 11lb lower mark this afternoon, the six-year-old led after five out and stretched his rivals from the front. Mont Saint Vincent emerged as a serious threat turning into the straight but despite the best efforts of his jockey David Doyle, the grey just couldn't find a route past the 6-5f who dug deep to win by a-length-and-a-quarter.

Michael McDonagh said: "That was his first win over hurdles but he had always been there or thereabouts and he is tough.

"The ground is very heavy so I was worried but we live in Cratloe and our farm is only five miles out the road (in Sixmilebrridge) so it was tempting when the track being so near. We sponsored the previous race and tried to win it but didn't have any luck.

"This horse is a winter horse and is a chaser really who you'd think he might win a good chase some day."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.