Mikey Hamill © Photo Healy Racing
Silverpockets stayed on best on the run-in after a dramatic conclusion to the second division of the Nick O'Donnell Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Wexford. Yes Man and Venture Lazarus fought it out going to the second last but the former crashed out and hampered his rival who narrowly avoided a running rail shortly afterwards.
Venture Lazarus still led going to the last but was strongly pressed on the run-in and was collared by Silverpockets close home as Robert Murphy's charge recorded a length-and-a-half success.
9/2 joint-favourite Our Jerry was prominent throughout and after giving way turning for home held every chance again on the run-in. He eventually finished third while fellow market leader Rathnaleen Girl was back in fifth.
It was Murphy's first winner since Mrs Mac Veale scored at this track in November 2014 and she was supported from 14/1 this morning into 6/1. He said afterwards:-
"We were hoping she'd run well. She wasn't running great last year but her form improved this year.
“We've nothing really planned for her now, she'll probably go for another handicap."
Winning rider Mikey Hamill was making a brief visit home and he said:-
"That's my first winner in Ireland under rules. I'm based in England with Kim Bailey and I've only a few more winners to get before I lose the seven pound claim.
“I'm only home for two weeks, and I met Robert the other day and he asked me would I ride the mare. I had no gear with me, but I got a bit together then.
"I'm from Villierstown in Waterford and Bob is from Cappoquin so it's great to ride a winner for someone local to me.
“I've always been riding point-to-pointers for him. I go back to England on Monday, and I'll put my head down and see how I get on."
(Quotes by Donal Murphy)
