Argentino (maroon and white) jumps the last in front © Photo Healy Racing
Having finished a good second at Galway on his last Argentino went one place better today as he ran out a game winner of the McSweeney Arms Hotel Handicap Hurdle.
Sent off an 8/1 chance the Willie Mullins trained victor was settled behind the leaders and was third with a circuit to race. He improved into second approaching the straight and was soon ridden.
He jump three out in a share of the lead and got to the front on the run to the last, keeping on gamely on the run-in to see off the fast finishing Plinth and Powersbomb by a head and a neck.
Plinth was returned at 20/1 under Mark Walsh for Aidan O'Brien while Powersbomb was a 6/1 chance under Jonathan Moore for Bryan McMahon. Valyssa Monterg who beat the winner at Galway, was sent off the 9/4 favourite and she finished a disappointing tenth under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.
Bryan Cooper was aboard the successful son of Sinndar and he said afterwards: "He stuck at it well even though he missed the last and was gutsy.
"That ground is perfect for him and he deserved to get one of those this summer as he'd been running well without winning."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Valyssa Monterg (FR), trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
