Relaxed veteran Analyse That wins again

Analyse That once again showed there is plenty of life in his 12-year-old legs when landing the Vee Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel.

The veteran gelding had just a Wexford maiden hurdle as the sum total of his career wins at the turn of the year but is now the winner of three having also scored in good style at Thurles last month.

Regular partner Sheila Ahern had the 9/1 chance prominent throughout, and made the decisive move when asserting after two out.

The son of Wareed was just pushed out on the run-in to beat I’m Serious by two and a quarter lengths, with 9/4 favourite Wild Sam another two lengths away in third.

Conna trainer Sean Aherne explained the improved form this year saying, "I don't know what I was doing before now but the holy all of it is, before when you brought him to the races your race would be over before he ran. He's after relaxing now travelling, through age I suppose and he has started to relax travelling. Before he'd be drowned (with sweat) but he's sparing a bit now.

"He is better suited to a small field and he is a great fun horse now. We'll tip away and have some sport with him now and he's a great horse at home as he leads all the young horses. I have 10 horses at home but will be quiet for the summer."

(TW & AM)