Whatsavailable jumps the last well on his way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Whatsavailable brought up a significant gamble when taking the Kevin Sheedy Raceday 17 Dec Handicap Hurdle.
Mouse Morris' Saddle Maker gelding contracted to 5/1 from a general 16/1, and as big as 18/1, this morning and further market support saw him sent off at 11/4 in the first-time tongue-tie.
He raced close to the pace, but came off the bridle before two out as a host of horses held chances. At that flight, Explosive Boy (13/8f) had closed travelling well but he took a plunging fall.
Wahtsavailable was toughing it out for Darragh O'Keeffe and a good jump in the lead at the last went a long way to sealing victory.
He was driven out to prevail by three lengths from Flying Scotsman (15/2). Viceregent was just behind him in third at 6/1.
Morris said: “I thought he’d make a lovely chaser and he’d two very disappointing runs. I then ran him back over hurdles and he didn’t seem to get home so we said we’d try a tongue tie today and it seems to have worked.
“He won here before, so he obviously likes the track and he jumped well today.
“He’s grand at home but gets very worked up when he comes racing so we put the red hood on him before the race.
“I’m not sure if he’s still qualified for the novice races for another week or two so we might find something.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
