Cahirdown Boy leads The Truant over the last © Photo Healy Racing
Cahirdown Boy (11/1) led from an early stage and saw off all challengers in the straight to land the Roches Feeds Handicap Hurdle.
The Yeats gelding, a winner over an extended 2m6f at Thurles last year, was pressed by several rivals at the second-last before The Truant (6/1) emerged as his main threat racing down to the the last. Conor McNamara had judged things to a nicety on his mount, though, and the six-year-old stayed on well on the run-in to hold The Truant by half a length. Kashi (15/2) and Ballinoe Biden (8/1) completed the frame.
Winning trainer Eric McNamara said: "We knew we had him really right today and he was in super form. Today's ground wouldn't be in his favour, he is definitely better on better ground but I thought Conor gave him a good ride.
"I could be guilty as it has taken me three years to figure out how to ride this horse - he is very keen and we've always held him up but I said to Conor today that we have to try something different.
"We made a conscious decision to drop him back in trip but to jump him out in front and to try and get the keeness out of him. I've been guilty of giving the wrong instructions for three years but it worked well today!
"Sean Curran is a fabulous, loyal owner and we've been so successful over the years and I'm thrilled for him."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
