Rawnaq lands on-course gamble

Rawnaq landed a gamble as he ran out an easy winner of the Lougher Stables Handicap Hurdle for Robbie Hennessy with Barry Geraghty in the saddle.

The 5yo gelding was available at 6/1 with Paddy Powers this morning and opened on track at 5's before being backed into 7/2 joint favourite at the off.

Formerly trained in the UK by Mark Johnston, the son of Azamour raced prominent throughout and was still travelling well entering the straight.

He came with his challenge and led from the second last before staying on well to go clear from the last and record a comfortable nine length success.

The Liz Doyle trained Anoosou finished second at 12/1 under Ben Dalton while the other 7/2 joint favourite Urhavinalaugh was a further nine lengths back in third under Niall Madden for his father of the same name.

Winning trainer Robbie Hennessy said afterwards: "I'm delighted for his owner Kevin John Smith. His son rides out for me at home.

"Kevin had a share in a few horses before but this is his first winner with me. He is from Kilmessan and he is a very enthusiastic owner.

"That horse has been knocking on the door and Barry gave him a super ride.

"Barry won this race for me last year (Magnetic Force) so we are two from two in it. We might come back again for it next year!

"It’s not too soft out there and everything worked out well."

(On-course reporting by Michael Graham)