Ceanndana (left) is joined over the last by Rightfolksplease (noseband)© Photo Healy Racing
The Frank O'Beirne Memorial Novice Handicap Chase produced a thrilling finish with easy-to-back 3/1 favourite Ceanndana rallying to pip the well-supported Rightfolksplease (7/2, from 11/2 before the off) by a short head.
Ross O'Sullivan 's consistent son of Leading Light, owned by the Hows Your Father Syndicate, was coming back in trip by almost a mile having been runner-up over 3m1f at Kilbeggan on his previous start. Having tracked the leaders, the seven-year-old took over before the last but was headed early on the run-in by Rightfolksplease who had come from the rear of the field under Sean Flanagan. The latter went half a length up but, with the rail too help, Ceanndana battled back to lead in the final stride.
Winning rider Keith Donoghue said: "It was my own fault. I was just sitting and keeping the bit in his mouth going to the last, because he doesn't like to be in front for too long. If I'd been beaten, I would have been kicking myself and I probably should have let him roll on after two out, but thankfully he got back up.
"He's a brilliant horse for the lads and they get great craic out of him."
