Lessofdnegativity and Darragh O'Keeffe (nearside) beat De Hollow Man (Paul Cawley)© Photo Healy Racing
With favourite Game Present failing badly to come up to expectations second market choice Lessofdnegativity seized his chance in style in the Sean Hughes Memorial Opportunity Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan.
Game Present’s jumping let him down and he finished fourth, but there were no such issues for Lessofdnegativity under Darragh O’Keeffe.
Trained by Andrew McNamara in Croom for his wife Kathleen, Lessofdnegativity, with handicap experience already under his belt, had six lengths in hand over De Hollow Man at the line.
Andrew McNamara, “According to the handicapper he had no chance of beating Game Present but I didn’t think there was that much between them.
“He was trained by (son) Robert and is a half-brother to a Scottish National winner (Joe Farrell). He’ll go to Listowel for the three miles hurdle on Thursday where he’ll have a light weight," said Andrew McNamara.
“When I got him he ran great at Cork and then I probably ran him too quick. We’ve learned how to train him hopefully.”
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Game Present, trained by Henry de Bromhead, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(AM & EM)
