Winning Rascal and Darragh O Keeffe win the Tote Handicap Hurdle© Photo Healy Racing
Winning Rascal followed up his Listowel win when staying on strongly under Darragh O'Keeffe to claim the Play The Tote Exacta On Every Race Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.
Despite being relatively weak in the market(eventually sent off 10/3f), the Michael Hourigan-trained gelding showed reserves of stamina to collar long-time leader Twoplustwo Equals close home.
The latter looked a winner between the final two flights, with jockey Cian Quirke able to afford the luxury of a look around to see where the challenge lay.
O'Keeffe was low in the saddle on the eventual winner at that point but found he had a willing partner who found plenty to overcome a 9lb hike for his last win.
Michael Hourigan said; "he had to be tough and was tough. The last jump helped him a lot as he flew it and the other horse fluffed it.
"He might have a break now as I don't think he wants soft ground and was feeling the pinch a little today. You'd imagine he is well handicapped over fences rated 87."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
