Great Wide Open and Declan McDonogh (left) just hold off Have A Nice Day and David Simmonson© Photo Healy Racing
Great Wide Open recorded his third win of the year, as he made all in the Murray Ambulance Service Handicap.
Successful at Dundalk in March, and Gowran in May, the Charles O'Brien trained four-year-old went down by just neck to Captain Power at Leopardstown on Thursday.
Having opened at 4/1 on-course, the son of Starspangledbanner eventual went off the 10/3 market leader in the colours of owners the Painestown Syndicate.
Sent straight to the front by Declan McDonogh, he was pressed and ridden with a furlong and a half to go. He proved game in front, and kept on well in the closing stages, holding off Have A Nice Day by a short head.
The runner-up was returned at 6/1 under David Simmonson for Sabrina Harty, while Texas Rock (8/1) was a further length and three parts back in third with Oisin Orr in the saddle for Michael Grassick.
Declan McDonogh said afterwards: "He was a bit edgy at the start. It's a fairly hot day and maybe that was the reason. He was keen early but you can't fight him. He's that sort of horse, and if you get into a row with him you can't win.
"He loves going right-handed but he could go to Listowel as with that running style it should suit him around there as well."
STEWARDS REPORTS
S. Foley, rider of Kadra trained by M.Halford, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount ran flat.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Kadra, trained by M.Halford, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
