Long House Hall comes to the last in Kilbeggan© Photo Healy Racing
Long House Hall enjoyed his spin round Kilbeggan as he scooted home by four and a half lengths for jockey Johnny Burke.
With almost half the field detached throughout, this wasn’t a contest in which many horses held valid chances in as Portrade cut out the pace.
Rounding the home bend with two to jump the race boiled down to a match between Long House Hall and Spot Fine Long House Hall though was getting the better of it coming to the last and from there stayed on stoutly to win at 10/1.
His trainer Paul Duggan said: “It’s my first winner as a trainer the second time around! My last winner was in 2005. I was head lad to Alan King in England for six years. I’m back training since Christmas.
“I did this horse when he won a point-to-point and I’ve had a couple of mares who were second. This horse has got loads of ability and he wants top of the ground. He’s owned by my uncle John Duggan. I train in Ballymahon (Co Longford)."
The winner was nibbled at throughout the day from 14/1 to 10s. Runner-up Spot Fine was returned at 7/2 while there was a 12 length gap back to Cousin Bill in third. Massini’s Brook, the 11/4 favourite, was pulled up before two out. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Massini's Brook trained by Noel Lawlor, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
This was the first time Long House Hall sported the hood and tongue-strap combination.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
