Manuka clears the last ahead of Presenting Julio© Photo Healy Racing
After being placed on his last two starts, Manuka got his turn in the McGrath Limestone Works Ltd. Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Johnny Barry for Karl Thornton.
The now four time winner was sent off at 8/1 this evening, reverting back to flights after taking minor honours behind Sir Jack Yeats over fences at Killarney last week.
Settled in mid-division on the outer, the chestnut gelding took closer order with a circuit left to race, and was ridden to challenge in second from two out.
He got to the front on the run to the last, and kept on well from there to score by three and a quarter lengths for owner David O'Rourke. Pat's Pearl finished second for the fourth time in-a-row, and she was returned at 12/1 under Mark Bolger for John McConnell. Freedom Statue (12s to 10s) completed the placings another three parts of a length back in third with Paul Townend in the saddle for Stephen Mahon. Little Haarth (7/2 to 5/2 on-course) was fourth, while the 9/4 favourite Presenting Julio was fifth. Highway Royal unseated Conor Brassil before the last when still in with every chance. Pat's Pearl appeared to veer left into the Stephen Mahon trained gelding, and he subsequently unseated.
"He's ran well around here, you'd nearly think that he doesn't handle the track but he always seems to run well here," said Thornton.
"The trip and John taking five off him was definitely a help.
"There's probably him and another horse that are right at home - everything else seems to be wrong.
"He's definitely got us out of a hole again. He'll mix it now - he does everything - if you had five of him you'd love the game. He's real genuine - he always tries.
"There's a race for him in Galway on the Sunday maybe, and he might go there."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into an incident approaching the final hurdle involving Highway Royal, ridden by C. Brassil, and Pat's Pearl, ridden by M.J. Bolger, where Pat's Pearl appeared to cock its jaw and carry Highway Royal off its course. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that any interference was accidental and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
