Neatly Put and Denis Hogan hold off Rock On Rosie and Gary Halpin© Photo Healy Racing
"I have to thank my head lad John O'Meara who has done a lot of stalls work with him and has been very patient with him. The stalls handlers tonight were also very good to me," said trainer/jockey Denis Hogan after first-time hooded 20/1 chance Neatly Put landed the Big Bad Bob Maiden at Dundalk.
Neatly Put came through from mid-division to lead a furlong and a half out, and he then held on from the patiently ridden Rock On Rosie by a head.
"The last two days he's failed to race and just lost the plot. He's a good horse though," added Hogan.
"I didn't realise the straight was that long and set sail for home a long way out. I haven't much experience around here and I'll know for the future.
"He travelled well. His pedigree is all for the all-weather even though he won a bumper on soft ground.
"He ran in the Cheltenham bumper and his form just tailed off towards the end of the season. The plan is to go for a maiden hurdle at Leopardstown over Christmas now.
"His owner, Michael Denning, lives in Liverpool, and he'll be delighted to get him back on track."
Money horses Buster Dan Dan (2/1 favourite) and Fiorbheim could manage no better than seventh and ninth places respectively.
F.M. Berry, rider of Holy Water trained by Mrs John Harrington, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung right throughout this race.
(GC & EM)
