The Hurl 'N' Ball Syndicate celebrate success© Photo Healy Racing
Old Chap held on from Lets Do This in a frantic finish to the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle over the extended 3m1f in Sligo.
He brought up a 129/1 double for trainer Paul Gilligan who also saddled Sequestered to win the extended two and a-half mile maiden hurdle.
This five-year-old gelding had only hit the front halfway up the run-in of this staying test, but had to scramble home from Lets Do This who was played fast and late.
They flashed past the post wide apart and the judge gave the verdict to 12/1 shot Old Chap by a short-head. Runner-up Lets Do This went off a 5/1 chance.
The Smith family (Matthew and James) took the preceding race on the card and supplied the third home in this, Cozone (16/1) who was two and a-half lengths behind the battle for first place.
Trainer Paul Gilligan said: "It's great for the group of lads. Mossy Larkin's nickname around Kiltormer is 'old chap' and he's one of the syndicate along with Mike Coleman and the three Kilkenny brothers. They'll have some night tonight and one of them probably has to say Mass in the morning, he's a priest!"
"I thought the horse nearer the stands (Lets Do This) had got up and when you win a race like that, it makes it that bit better.
"It was his first run over three mile-one, he's a lovely little horse who's honest and would stay galloping all day for you. He was bought handy enough, money wise.
"My own lads (Jack and Danny) are out at the moment and missed out here with these two winners. They'll be nice horses for Jack when he comes back, Danny has enough horses to ride!"
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
