Ah Littleluck and Mark Flanagan© Photo Healy Racing
Ah Littleluck took advantage of a drop in class to take the three-mile McCarthy Insurance Group Maiden Hurdle at Cork.
The Mahler gelding was far from disgraced last time in a valuable novice handicap at the Fairyhouse Easter meeting, and was sent off the well-backed 13/8 favourite.
Mark Flanagan sent him to the front early in the straight, and the six-year-old stayed on well to beat 50/1 chance Sunchyme by eight lengths. Even Though and Robbina dead-heated for third place a further two and three quarter lengths back.
Winning trainer Tom Gibney said, “He did what we hoped he do. That’s a first winner for Kevin (Haigney, owner) who is from Drogheda and is a good friend. He’s a big supporter of mine and I’m thrilled for him.
“He jumped horrendous the last day but he put it right today.”
