After Aspen and Sean Flanagan clear the last © Photo Healy Racing
25/1 shot After Aspen just prevailed in a thrilling last gasp finish to the Sean Graham Bookmakers Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal this afternoon.
The race looked set to be going the way of 7/4 favourite Altiepix after he went on between the final two flights in the two-and-a-half mile contest.
After Aspen had disputed briefly with that rival when leader Moscow Magic pulled up injured going to the second last.
He looked booked for second going to the final flight however and made a mistake there. Sean Flanagan got him going again on the run-in though and he collared Altiepix close home.
Having got his head in front he had to repel the late charge of Tearaway Queen however. The 100/1 shot, who had been under pressure in fifth before the last, flew home on the run-in and was just denied by a short-head.
After Aspen had been well held on both his previous outings.
It was a welcome change of luck for trainer Liz Doyle who lost Le Vent D'Antan at Leopardstown on Sunday and saw Kauto Grand Mogol run poorly at Clonmel yesterday.
"I felt like I'm coming up for air a bit, it's been a rotten couple of days. Kauto Grand Mogol had his palate done this morning.
"With the 8lb allowance for non winners and being a bit fitter I thought he had half a squeak and I thought we would give Gordon's horse a race.
"He was only a length down jumping the second last the last day and he needed it. He battled really well and he'll get further. Hopefully he has a future of some sort. He's a sound horse and he's for sale.
"My late father owned him. That's the first winner I've had in his colours since he died about three months ago. Somebody owed me that today!"
(Additional reporting by Michael Graham)
