Michael Graham
Purple Mountain takes Grade 3 honours
Purple Mountain Sean O'Keeffe avoid jockey JJ Slevin after his mount San Salvador fell at the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Purple Mountain was left clear to land a dramatic Grade 3 Joe Mac Hurdle over two miles in Tipperary.
Hat-trick-seeking San Salvador collared front-running Annie G approaching two out and was soon ridden by JJ Slevin to make the best way home.
He was a couple of lengths in front of a closing Purple Mountain at the last but got it all wrong and crashed out.
Purple Mountain (17/2 from 12/1) was left in charge and she forged on by six lengths. Bonarc stayed on well on the run-in to come through for second at 100/1.
Jockey Sean O’Keeffe said: “I felt I was coming with a good run and with a good jump at the last that I’d beat JJ (Slevin on San Salvador). She was good and brave over the last two.
“She travelled well and when I got stuck into her she found plenty. She’ll have no trouble staying two and a half miles." Arctic Warrior the 5/4 favourite, made serval novicey mistakes and weakened before being pulled up before the final flight.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee