Hans Crescent (noseband) edges left on the run-in impeding Four Chimneys© Photo Healy Racing
Michael Hourigan recorded his first winner of 2012 as his Hans Crescent took the New ATR Horse Tracker Handicap Hurdle at the odds of 16/1 under Adrian Heskin.
The winning 7yo son of Dansili has been a great money spinner for connections as he was recording his sixth career victory this afternoon.
Having won two Handicap chases in November of last year at Thurles and Cork, he then ran well to finish fifth behind Seabass at Limerick over Christmas in the Grade B, Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase.
He since disappointed in another Handicap Chase at Naas last month when finishing a well beaten sixth behind Luke’s Benefit.
Going back over hurdles this afternoon for the first time since July of last year, the winner chased the leaders early on. He was produced with his challenge at the last where jumped to the front.
He then edged left on the run-in slightly impeding runner-up Four Chimneys before straightening up and keeping on well to score by a length.
Four Chimneys under Andrew Leigh finished second at 25/1 while Turner Brown was a further five and a half lengths back in third under Andrew Lynch at 14/1.
A Stewards Enquiry was subsequently called but no alteration was made to the result.
Winning trainer Michael Hourigan said afterwards: "I was hopefully beforehand as he only had a stamp on his back (carrying just 9-7)."
