Willywampus not for passing as Harvey loses claim

Willywampus made most under Ben Harvey to run out a really gutsy winner of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase at Thurles.

The six-year-old son of Zoffany was registering a second win over fences since joining Killarney based trainer Eamon Courtney in February.

Adopting his customary front running tactics here, Willywampus looked in trouble after jumping the second last as Battle Of Ridgeway arrived up on his outside travelling ominously well.

The latter went on for a few strides early in the straight but Willywampus wasn't going down without a fight, edging ahead on the run to the last, before staying on in determined fashion close home. Neveradullmoment kept on best of all in the dying strides but found the line coming too soon.

That win also saw jockey Ben Harvey ride out his claim in the process.

Assistant Trainer Philip O'Brien said: "He is extremely tough and is free-going so not every rider suits him. It was Ben's first time on his back and gave him an unbelievable ride.

"He is tiny but has a big heart. When the owners bought him I actually said 'what possessed someone to school him over fences!' He is a lovely horse though and is a credit to everyone.

"He is rated a lot lower over hurdles but while he is running so well over fences, why stop. He wants good ground and got yielding today."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.