Linger, right, jumps the last alongside Father Mattie© Photo Healy Racing
Linger unseated on his hurdling debut at Hexham in June but showed better form this evening when keeping on strongly in the maiden hurdle for three-year-olds.
Shark Hanlon 's horse was settled in mid-division by Brian Hayes before making good headway into second after the fourth last.
The 12/1 chance stalked 11/8 favourite Birthplace before picking up the lead at the penultimate flight as Birthplace came under pressure. Father Mattie a 40/1 outsider on his first hurdling start, looked to be a threat as he ranged up alongside Linger approaching the last. However, he blundered at that obstacle and Linger was ridden clear on the run-in to beat him by two and a half lengths.
There was a dead heat for third between Birthplace and Ravens Hill (10/1), some eight lengths behind the runner-up.
Shark Hanlon said: “His jumping won it for him. He jumped brilliantly.
“He's a little horse that I bought for small money at Ascot. He was a Darley cast off and only cost £1,800.
“He had a very good run on the Flat first time and he'll mix it between Flat and hurdles. He has to have good ground.
“He might go for the winners of one at Listowel. He's only handy but he has a lot of heart.
“The syndicate are from Athlone and have been with me since the start. It's great to have a little horse to do the job for them. He worked well at the Curragh the other morning and I told them all to come today.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
