The winner, Our Sox in red, comes to challenge Slygufftou © Photo Healy Racing
Our Sox foiled a plunge on Na Trachtalai Abu when winning the three mile handicap hurdle in Tipperary by half a length at 7/1.
Na Trachtalai Abu was all the rage in the betting ring as his price contracted to 4/1 favourite on the off, from 13/2.
You couldn't have called Our Sox as the obvious winner as the large field turned for home. A wall of horses still held chances as Our Sox jumped it in sixth, one place behind Na Trachtalai Abu.
However, on the run to the final hurdle Na Trachtalai Abu came with a challenge on the outside of Slygufftou as Our Sox switched to the inside of the leader.
Upon landing, Our Sox got into stride well and edged his way to the front but was all out to hold Na Trachtalai Abu and Slygufftou (6/1). Asithappens rewarded each way punters by taking fourth place at 14/1. He was seven lengths behind third-placed Slygufftou.
Handler Tony Martin said: "He had been running away and had plenty experience and it stood to him today as he was tough.
"It was great to win today and we'll probably avoid Galway and go for something similar again next."
Jockey David Casey said: "He did it well and kept galloping. It was an ordinary three mile handicap hurdle. They went quick and stamina won it. He's slow but he kept galloping and he jumped very well. I got a good run turning in and he kept going well."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
