The Mad Well and happy connections© Photo Healy Racing
Following on from 33/1 and 66/1 scorers at Sligo, the layers were on the right side again in the penultimate Ellen's Pub Maugherow Handicap Hurdle. The Mad Well (16/1) foiled a gamble on favourite Happy As Larry (around 11/2 earlier into 2/1) for trainer/rider Denis Hogan.
Backers of third home Overtures were ruing their luck. After being fifth two out he was soon badly hampered and almost unseated his rider after the fall of Fightforyourdreams
They bypassed the final hurdle and The Mad Well overcame a mistake two out to head Happy As Larry around the omitted flight for a length and a half win.
"I got to the start and said I'd take a chance and drop out as there appeared to be loads of pace. All day they were stopping when they hit the hill," said Hogan.
"He was being ridden all wrong and the plan coming here was for him to go home after today. He wants a dig and this was the only track in Ireland to run him today."
The winner is owned by Pauline Twiss, from Glenbeigh, Co Kerry, along with Stephen O'Brien, Joe White and Mark O'Sullivan, and Hogan added "they couldn't be here today but they'll be thrilled with the win."
(TW & EM)
