Flying Scotsman and Mark Walsh (white cap) are poised to challenge © Photo Healy Racing
The 3/1 favourite Flying Scotsman won the Hollymount Nursing Home 4-y-o Handicap Hurdle in the hands of Mark Walsh.
The Galileo gelding chased the leaders on the inner and wasn’t the slickest over his hurdles, but he came through to challenge after the last and, once in front, was always holding the challenge of Varna Gold inside the final furlong.
A head was the verdict, with the topweight Glorious Zoff doing some good late work to take third spot.
It was a second success over hurdles for the Joseph O'Brien-trained winner who won Flat races on successive days at last year’s Galway Festival.
Walsh said: "I was behind them turning into the straight, he jumped the last well and there was a gap. I had to go but it was sooner than I wanted as he doesn’t do a whole lot when he hits the front.
“In fairness he battled alongside the other horse and stuck his head out at the finish.
“He’d less on his plate than he did at Galway which was his first handicap and he learned from it. He’s going the right way and is fine on that ground.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
