Mankhool and Shane Mulcahy © Photo Healy Racing
Mankhool survived a slight scare at the last to run out a cosy winner of the Holycross Maiden Hurdle at Thurles.
The Denis Hogan-trained gelding went off a 9/2 shot in the 'unplaced' contest and was produced to lead going to the second last in the two-and-a-half mile contest.
Shane Mulcahy 's mount looked in control coming to the final flight but landed steeply there and pecked slightly.
The New Approach gelding soon recovered and was easing down at the line as he recorded a five length win over Imperial Kate
Mankhool had been fifth on his previous three outings over hurdles.
"I probably wasn't the strongest race but he had a good run in Gowran, after a wind op, and I'd say it was a big success,” said Hogan.
"He was getting the four year old allowance which was massive and Shane was also claiming 7lb. Shane hasn't had a winner for a while (last August) but is such a hard worker and deserves every winner he gets.
"I hate saying it, but I can't imagine the handicapper will rate the race too high and his Gowran run was probably a better run. He seems to stay well and anything from 2m4f to three miles won't be a bother to him.
"It's good for Tony and Mike O'Brien who have been with me since I started training and are loyal supporters.
"Our horses were desperate and weren't right for December or January and there was a lot of things not right but I hope we're in a good place now and can kick on. We're looking forward to the flat season."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
