One Night Standard and Keith Donoghue come to claim Straight Home and Paul Townend© Photo Healy Racing
A short head and the same were the margins between the first three home after an exciting conclusion to the Kerry Group Irish EBF (Mares) Handicap Hurdle at Listowel. One Night Standard (20s into 12s) just prevailed much to the delight of the victorious Santana Syndicate.
That good old campaigner, Youngnedofthehill, did these owners proud in the past, and One Night Standard is doing her bit for them also, the five-year-old daughter of Jukebox Jury gaining a second career victory in this two and a quarter miler.
It looked like a masterful steer from Paul Townend aboard favourite Straight Home for much of the journey, but she couldn't quite repel the Gavin Cromwell-handled One Night Standard, under an excellent Keith Donoghue. Stormalong didn't do much wrong either, in third, as they drew on by three and a half lengths from Vischio in fourth.
"I thought I had every chance turning-in but Paul's (Townend, on Straight Home) jumped across me a little jumping the last two hurdles and I just got there at the line. I thought I would have been unlucky not to win," reported Donoghue.
"She had disappointed on her last couple of runs but she had a break, came back to form and we knew she'd stay well."
Sam Ewing, rider of Unklipped trained by Denis Leahy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the footage of Unklipped retreating where she appeared to momentarily run short of room and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
J.C. Gainford, rider of Nells Choice trained by Cian Collins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount stopped quickly.
P. Townend, rider of Straight Home, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped right at the last two hurdles. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the footage and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
(TW & EM)
