Eventual winner Have A Few (Mark Walsh, right) clears the last© Photo Healy Racing
Barry Geraghty chose newcomer Well Taken over 16/1 chance, Have A Few of J P McManus' pair, in the John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle at Listowel. It was the latter that landed the spoils though, under Mark Walsh.
Have A Few had the benefit of a couple of previous outings, and Enda Bolger's charge put that experience to good use by making a lot of the running.
A mistake at the second last saw Have A Few headed before the last by Holy Water
However, the Presenting four-year-old rallied well on the run-in to lead in the last strides for a nose verdict over Holy Water.
Jessica Harrington, trainer of Holy Water, also saddled the third home, Playbook half a length further back.
"The ground was a big factor, he got run off his feet a bit in Galway the last day," said Bolger.
"It was a funny race, and he got his own way in front for a good bit, but he put his head down and knuckled down well.
"I liked the way he was running on at the end but I thought he was beaten. Hopefully there's a good season ahead of him now."
Mark Walsh meanwhile commented: "The lads went by me going to the last but in fairness to my horse he's tough and he stays. He put his head down after the last and battled to the line.
"I landed running after the last, and he put his head down and wanted to battle, and wanted to win, so I had a helpful partner."
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Oighear Dubh trained by A.J.Martin, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P. Townend, rider of Full Batten trained by Edmond Kent, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jumped very deliberate, ran very green and thought about running towards the wing at the second last hurdle.
D. Meyler, rider of Oighear Dubh, trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount ran very flat throughout.
(AM & EM)
