Close One and David Casey on the way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Close One served notice that his turn could be imminent at Tipperary seventeen days ago and he delivered in first-time cheek-pieces under David Casey in the J.F. Hanley Handicap Hurdle at Roscommon.
Only a five-year-old, the Presenting gelding was backed from 8/1 into 7/1 for his graduation to the three mile trip and he saw it out well to hold Lucky Pigeon by three parts of a length.
Morning price gamble Captains And Kings got the place money in fourth.
"I think I have to thank the jockey for that one, he was very good on him. He stays well but he needed every bit of David's riding to get him up," said winning trainer Charlie Swan.
He then added of the J P McManus-owned Close One: "I think he was suited by the horse in front jumping left as it gave him a nice clear run. I was hoping he would run well, he was fourth the last day in a better type race and the step up to three miles probably suited him. He wants good ground and it seems quick enough underneath here.
"I'd say he wouldn’t want it too soft. We will see where we go from here but he is entered in Downpatrick on Sunday and there is a small chance that he might go there." (DM & EM)
