Ballyadam Destiny (nearest) beats Ernie McCracken© Photo Healy Racing
Denis Hogan completed a quick double as a trainer when partnering Ballyadam Destiny to a gutsy victory in the stayers handicap hurdle.
He had given Shane Mulcahy the leg up on Mankhool in the previous race but was in the plate himself this time.
The 12/1 shot fought it out with 13/8 favourite Ernie McCracken turning for home and had a narrow lead at the second last flight.
He got in under both the penultimate flight and the last but found plenty on the run-in to record a length-and-a-quarter success.
The winner was reverting to the smaller obstacles having been fourth over fences at Clonmel last time out.
"I'm thrilled for (owner) Billy Horgan, who sent me up two horses after Terence (O'Brien, previous trainer) told him a change of scenery might be good for him. It was, as he was a bit roughy there,” said Hogan.
"I thought I was going to win well but missed the last two jumps. It was probably a blessing because I'd have been in front and I'm not sure if he'd have pulled himself up or not. When I put the stick away he rallied for me.
"He should have won the last day in Clonmel as he made up ten lengths between all the fences each time, and gave it away again. Sean Flanagan rode him and said if he'd have jumped, he'd have been bang there.
"I brought him back over hurdles to get him confidence and this is good for the yard. There's a good atmosphere when the horses are winning."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
