Golden Spear and Liam McKenna© Photo Healy Racing
The veteran Golden Spear came out on top of an absolutely thrilling renewal of the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.
He rolled back the years to bring up the seventh victory of his career with the last success back in a Grade B handicap hurdle at Down Royal in November 2018. He won the November Handicap on the Flat at this track in 2016 and the Grade C Lartigue handicap hurdle at Listowel the previous year was another notable highlight.
The Dermot McLoughlin pair of Two Shoe Tom and the gambled-on Peckham Springs (40/1 overnight down to 9/1) were always to the fore in this two-mile contest.
The field hadn't got to terms with them as they looked to fight out the spoils in the final 150 yards. However, in the closing stages it was all change as Liam McKenna switched Golden Spear out from a pocket on the rail to challenge and he stormed home closely attended on his outer by Na Caith Tobac and Queenie Newell.
Golden Spear hit the line first at 10/1 by a head from Na Caith Tobac (12/1) with Queenie Newall a neck further away at 18/1.
Remarkably Two Shoe Tom (6/1) and Peckham Springs finished fourth and fifth respectively another short head and a neck away.
A gamble on Good World all the way down to 11/2 favourite was foiled when he could only finish 10th.
Trainer Tony Martin said: "What a little horse, 11-year-old, he deserves that.
“It's a few years since he won at Down Royal but he's always been consistent and running well. The handicapper had to give him a chance and fair play he did.
“He was the right side of the heads which was great. He's been around a long time, running in good races, and age and everything caught up with him.
“Liam was excellent on him. Just getting stopped after the last probably helped him as he had that little surge to give. He's such an honest little fella and you love to see them getting their day in the sun.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
