Level Neverending and Tom Hamilton (left) © Photo Healy Racing
There was a very good finish to the concluding Tote Pays You More at tote.ie Flat Race with Level Neverending (13/2 into 9/2 on the show) showing a good attitude to come out on top.
The Flemensfirth gelding hit the front on the inside before the straight but had to fend off two challengers after rounding the home turn.
The 11/10 favourite Merlin Giant briefly touched the front inside the final furlong, and newcomer Le Nouveau (11/1) was there with every chance as well on the outside, but it was Tom Hamilton's mount who found a little more to win by half a length from the favourite.
Le Nouveau, on whom inexperienced rider Keith Callaghan impressed, was just a further short head away in third.
It was a double for O’Brien after Desir Du Large rsquo;s win in the maiden hurdle and the winner is the fourth horse out of the Milan mare Lunar Beauty that he has been successful with after Kalopsia, Chead Solas and Lunar Display.
“He ran a really good race first time out in Tipperary (third) and we thought he had improved since then," said O’Brien.
“I'd say he won a very hot bumper today. Tom gave him a lovely ride.
"Being a 4-year-old he'll probably go for a winners' bumper but he has the option of going over hurdles."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
