Long House Island (left) and Repeater come close on the run-in© Photo Healy Racing
The market proved a good guide to the Liscahill Novice Handicap Hurdle at Thurles as Long House Island justified good support for trainer/rider Denis Hogan.
The lightly-raced seven-year-old gelding was reappearing after a lengthy absence when making a promising start for Hogan at Naas earlier this month, and punters latched onto him here.
Early morning quotes of 11/2 soon disappeared, and the son of Turtle Island was further supported on track from 5/2 into 2/1 favourite.
He travelled well under Hogan to lead on the inner two out but Repeater 8/1 having been double those odds this morning, threw down a determined challenge on the run-in.
A stewards enquiry was called after the favourite edged left in the closing stages before holding on by a head but the placings were left unaltered. Dragon Khan was a further three and a half lengths back in third.
Hogan said, "He's not the easiest to train and can be very hot and the hood is a massive help.
"It wasn't the strongest race but he needs to go a gallop and to get settled early. Coming back in company from a 0-116 to a 102, with the run under his belt, was a big help.
"He'll jump a fence in time and I'm delighted for the Duggans, from Birdhill, as this is my first winner for them and they're great supporters of mine."
(TW & AM)
