Oiche Mhaith Boy and Brian O'Connell lead Noble Vision and Sean Flanagan away from the last© Photo Healy Racing
Oiche Mhaith Boy justified odds-on favouritism in the opener at Limerick, the Irish Wire Maiden Hurdle, scoring under Brian O'Connell for Kieran Purcell.
A good third to Footpad on his debut over flights at Gowran in November, the son of Alhaarth then disappointed at Thurles in January.
He return to form by finishing second to Newberry New at Gowran last month and he was sent off the 10/11 favourite (from 5/4 last night) to get the better of his six rivals today.
Having raced mainly in third he improved to dispute the lead after three out and was pushed to the front on the approach to the last.
He then kept on well on the run-in to see off the front-running Noble Vision by three lengths.
The runner-up, who is trained by John Joe Walsh and was ridden by Sean Flanagan, came in for plenty of market support, opening on-course at 25/1 before going off at just 10's.
The Charles Byrnes trained Give Battle is sure to have caught the attention of many as he finished a further length and a half back in third.
Kieran Purcell said afterwards: "He was due that and likes that ground. He's a handy, smallish horse but he did the job. I'll look for a winners' of one next.
"He owners Noreen O'Higgins is from Newcastle, Co Down and Patrick Clune from Ennis and they're great owners who have been with me for a long time now.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Give Battle, ridden by G.B. Noonan, and trained by C.Byrnes.
Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. C. Byrnes, trainer, stated that this animal had run very free in previous races at Fairyhouse and Thurles finishing tired on both occasions.
Consequently he instructed G.B. Noonan to jump off on the inside towards the rear of the field, get him to settle, hold onto him as long as possible and come with one run in the straight if able and only use the whip once or twice.
He added that he was satisfied with the ride in what he felt was a weak contest. He felt that his charge had a high head carriage and was not fully genuine.
G.B. Noonan, rider, confirmed the instructions and explained his ride while watching the video recording of the race.
He concluded by stating that his mount stayed galloping at the same pace in the concluding stages.
The Stewards also received a report from the Turf Club Veterinary Officer who stated that Give Battle had a cut in his right nostril but was otherwise post race normal.
Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations offered.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
