Handsworth (second from right) wins as Siberian Star's rider loses his whip © Photo Healy Racing
The 2m4f handicap chase produced a stirring finish with Luke Dempsey forcing Handsworth (9/2) up close home to win by half a length.
The Jeremy gelding was one of four horses in contention racing down to the last and, despite the winning rider briefly dropping the reins on the run-in, just found a bit extra in the final fifty yards to land the spoils.
The 4/1 favourite Siberian Star (rider dropped whip after the last) was runner-up just in front of Enduring Love (10/1) with strong-travelling It’s Only A Number dropping to fourth close home having led from three out until after the last.
It was a first win on his twentieth start for Handsworth who had been runner-up at Gowran last month and was making his handicap chase debut.
For the winning rider it was a 43/1 double after winning the opener on Ardla
Winning trainer Philip Dempsey said: “He always worked well but was a bit disappointing over hurdles. I’d say he’s going to be better over fences. It was a great race as a spectacle and he battled well.
“It’s great for Luke riding a double and my daughter Sarah led him up and won the best turned out so it’s been a great day all round.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
