Mighty Tom wins decisively© Photo Healy Racing
Denis O'Regan was at his patient best aboard Mighty Tom in the Listed Oyster Tavern Handicap Hurdle in Killarney.
The pair raced in rear and were slightly detached early on as front-running Doyen Ta Win moved clear of the field.
Mighty Tom began to make progress four out and tanked into contention in the straight. He was produced to lead, still on the bit, two out.
From there, he readily he moved clear and a good jump at the last sealed the first prize of €27,000. The 9/2 shot won by an emphatic 10 lengths. Magnor Glory the 11/4 favourite, came in second and was six lengths clear of bottom-weight Sacchoandvanzetti (11/1).
Collins said: “He’s a horse with any amount of ability. He’s had a few problems, but we seem to have ironed them out now and hopefully he can keep going.
“We’ve changed the tactics with him and he’s more relaxed. Denis is the man for that job and gets on very well with him. It’s hard to watch but you have to let him at it.
“Denis said they flew which probably suited him and he was able to stay on.
“He has loads of pace and stays the two miles very well. I’d say we’ll go for the Galway Hurdle now.
“That’s my biggest win and I’m from Kerry so it’s great to get it here.”
Mighty Tom ran a stormer in third at 40/1 in a Grade B handicap hurdle at Punchestown last month. That was his first run since switching from Tom Cooper to Collins.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
