Billy Lee Swagger, near side, makes a mistake at the last but responds gamely© Photo Healy Racing
Billy Lee Swagger enabled Philip Rothwell to reach 34 winners for the season when he took the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Punchestown.
This is Rothwell's highest-ever total and Conor Owens, who did the steering, posted his second success under rules (both for Rothwell).
It was a three-way go the final flight in this 22-runner handicap and Billy Lee Swagger put in the worst leap of the trio on the outer, however, Owens got into the drive position on the run-in and his partner responded gamely.
The 15/2 shot got up by half a length from Verbal Sparring (18/1) while The Big Cloud (6/4f) gave best in third in the closing stages.
Rothwell said: “I thought he’d run a big race in Naas and he gurgled all the way up the straight. I probably had the wrong bit in his mouth as he’d never done it before.
“I was really happy with him and he was working really well at home. The day he was fourth in the maiden hurdle in Gowran was a good run and I thought he’d go on the ground here.
“It’s been a mighty year altogether and it’s our best season for winners. I’ve great owners, great staff and supporters and we’re working very hard at it.
“The Blind Squirrels have horses in Ireland and England and are a really well-run syndicate. Prince Zaltar was my first horse for the lads and this is the second one.
“It’s great for Conor as well. That’s his second winner and nice to be able to support him as well.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
