Define clears the last just ahead of Bangonform (right)© Photo Healy Racing
The last two horses on the betting show, battled out the finish to the John J Galvin Handicap Hurdle, with Bangonform just getting the better of Define by a head, adding to the woe of punters at Listowel this afternoon.
The Davy Fitzgerald trained nine-year-old son of Lord Americo was sent off at 25/1 under Danny Mullins, having failed to finish in the first three on his last eight starts.
The now four time winner, had his last three runs over fences but back over timber today, he travelled well into the straight and after a great battle away from the last, he just got the better of the James Motherway trained Define at 20/1 under David Splaine.
Third reserve, Florimund was five lengths back in third under Mark Enright at 20/1 while Start Me Up was a half a length back in fourth under Andrew Lynch for Charlie Swan at 14/1. Jubilee Year was sent off the 9/2 favourite under Brian O’Connell for John Joe Walsh but he could only manage a disappointing sixth.
Davy Fitzgerald said afterwards: "I told the owners (James Murtagh) not to come and I was on the verge of taking him out as I thought the ground was too quick.
"He was unlucky in the Cork National and he ran a cracker here last September. Danny gave him a great ride."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
