Whatever It Takes (Mark Walsh) fends off the challenge of the Davy Condon-ridden I C Gold© Photo Healy Racing
J P McManus and Mark Walsh, earlier successful with the Jessica Harrington-trained Rae's Creek in the opener, doubled their scores at Ballinrobe when Whatever It Takes landed the McGrath Limestone Works Ltd. Handicap Hurdle.
The 'Boots' Madden handled son of High Chaparral led before the straight and though briefly pressed after the last he saw it out well to fend off the favourite I C Gold by two and three parts of a length.
"He ran a cracker in Limerick and he came on a bit for it. We were afraid of the ground today.
"He won't be going to Galway – we'll stay in our own grade – he's not a Galway type.
"He lost his way last year – I don't know what happened him but all his runs this year have been good," commented Madden. (DM & EM)