Wee Small Hours and Danny Hand pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Wee Small Hours sprang a 16/1 surprise (was as big as 20s on-course) in the Pig 'N' Whistle Pubs & Restaurants New York Handicap Hurdle, scoring under Danny Hand for Dermot McLoughlin.
Without a win in his previous twenty-two starts, the eight-year-old gelding was last seen finishing down the field at Punchestown in February.
Prominent in the early stages, he improved to lead after the third. He was pushed along and pressed approaching the last, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in to score by just a nose.
The even money favourite The Trigger was the one just denied. He was ridden on the approach to the last, and while he kept on well on the run-in, he ultimately had to settle for second under Danny Mullins for Ronan McNally. Authorative (25s this morning, returned 12s) was hampered by the winner when coming with his effort in the closing stages. The Anthony McCann trained gelding eventually finishing third, another length and three parts back with Conor Brassil in the saddle. Cnoc Na Sioga Tom Brett aboard for John Ryan, completed the placings three and a quarter lengths back in fourth at 9/1.
McLoughlin said afterwards: "He's a grand little horse and he's been unlucky a few times. He seems to run well fresh and that's the key to him, we gave him a good break.
"It wasn't the intention to go to the front but he said he jumped the first two and he was gone. He was just keen and travelling well under him so you might as well let him go.
"Before he was cutting out and I thought he was a bit trip-less at one time and ran him over different trips. He stayed at it well today.
"He jumped well. He's a grand fun horse and hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him after winning a nose. We'll play it by ear and maybe up him in trip."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into possible interference after the final hurdle involving Wee Small Hours, ridden by D.J. Hand, placed first, The Trigger, ridden by D.E. Mullins, placed second and Authorative, ridden by C. Brassil, placed third. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the judge's placings and took no further action.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
