Ragmans Corner and Jack Kearney © Photo Healy Racing
Following a real shock result in the opening race, punters had more reason to be vocal as well backed favourite Ragmans Corner landed the Galway Handicap Hurdle.
Fourth in a Flat maiden at the festival here in July, the Gerard Keane trained gelding improved on that form when runner-up back in a handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe the following month.
Although somewhat disappointing when sent off 15/8f at Downpatrick last time, punters were prepared to forgive the five-year-old a below par effort on that unique track.
Backed down to 11/4f for this race, the Jack Kearney partnered winner travelled into the contest nicely, moving fourth at the penultimate flight, before challenging leader Bowgate Street on the run to the last.
With nothing separating the pair on the run-in, Kearney just managed to edge in front at the line to record a narrow head success.
It was a second career winner over jumps for Kearney, who only recently switched codes.
“He was a bit unlucky in Ballinrobe and Jack felt he didn't handle the track in Downpatrick,” said Gerard Keane.
“This race looked winnable on his two runs before that. He was fourth in a maiden here on the Flat, and that was a very good run.
“He's a grand little horse, he was weak and took time but he's improving all the time. Jack said there are a couple more days in him.
“We'll try and get a mark with him on the Flat, he probably wouldn't be good enough to win a maiden but should be able to compete on the Flat at some stage.
“I'd say he's not a horse that will jump a fence, he's a bit small.
“When we ran him on maidens he ran well on winter ground but that would be his ground there.
“He shows nothing at home and it's very hard to be confident coming here with him. You'd be getting him scoped and taking bloods before he runs because boys were thinking he's dead in himself all week.
“I was thinking would I run him or not but the bloods were perfect so I said I'd take the chance.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson.
