Happy Jacky clears the last under Donie McInerney© Photo Healy Racing
After being narrowly denied in the previous contest, Ray Hackett and Donie McInerney got their turn in the David Heneghan Memorial Handicap Hurdle, as Happy Jacky ran out a convincing winner.
A good third behind Shantelle at Killarney on Friday, the five-year-old son of Milan was expected to go close this evening and was sent off the 5/2 favourite (7s in early shows).
Settled behind the leaders, he took closer order from three out and eased to the front after the next, keeping on well on the run-in, going on to score by nine lengths. Youngnedofthehill (11/2) ran well to finish second under Robbie Power for Shane Nolan, while recent course winner Sizing Malbay (8/1) was another length and a half back in third.
"We were a bit worried about the ground to be honest," said Hackett.
"I thought it might be gone for him but he's a hardy little lad. He got through it alright - he wouldn't be in love with it but he's just tough.
"He got boxed in on Friday evening and just got no run. He finished out his race real well.
"After seeing that we said we'd go again as he bounced out of it so well.
"I'm delighted for the lads (the owners) - they'll enjoy it!
"We might look at Listowel but it's just grand to get him over the line."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Derby De Thaix (FR), trained by G.T.Lynch, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.
T. Ryan, rider of Chief Of Panama trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount gurgled from the second last.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
