Calagogo gets the last all wrong but recovers to win© Photo Healy Racing
Front-runner Calagogo overcame a blunder at the last to take the extended two and three quarter mile novice hurdle in Kilbeggan at 22/1.
He was there to be shot at from the third last and 5/4 favourite Desir Du Large looked a massive danger as he was lobbing away and closed at the next. He took off too soon, though, and fell giving jockey Shane Fitzgerald no chance.
Calagogo kept at in front but had a tussling Molly Wedger and Quirt Evans moving into threatening positions approaching the last.
The leader got it all wrong but to his credit regained his stride and was driven out by Jordan Gainford to win by half a length for trainer Denise Foster. Molly Wedger couldn't bridge the gap in second at 15/2. Quirt Evans was a neck back in third at 17/2.
Gainford said: "There wasn't much of a stride there at the last but I kept him rolling and in fairness he was game and got away with it.
"He loved the ground, had his ears pricked enjoying himself and got the run of the race quickening up off the bend.
"The first-time cheekpieces helped and down the line chasing will be something to look forward to."
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
