Hackett's good little 'un foils Mullins' hotpot The concluding Muckross Handicap produced a cracking finish with the diminutive Sequoiaspirit (13/2) just denying the much more physically-imposing Double Talkin Jive. The latter, sent off 6/5 favourite on his first start for Willie Mullins, travelled like a winner throughout but idled when getting to the front under Colin Keane. Sequoiaspirit, capably handled by 7lb claimer Paddy Harnett, was switched off the rail over a furlong out and came with a well-timed challenge to gain a narrow advantage in the closing stages. The market leader immediately responded and rallied but was a short head behind where it mattered. By the Oasis Dream stallion Mainsail, the winner was following up on a victory at Limerick last month when well-found in the market. Winning trainer Ray Hackett said: "The runner-up picked up when we got to him so maybe we were lucky not be be in an earlier battle with him. My little lad is tough and had the luck with his head down for the photo. "He is a fun little horse, is easy train, bounces out every morning and does whatever you ask him to do. I'll keep him on the flat at the minute, he is young so I'll give him a chance to mature before we go back jumping. "He handles Dundalk so that is an option for the winter." Quotes from Thomas Weekes
