Another Rebel and Martin Ferris in full flight© Photo Healy Racing
The McSweeney Arms Hotel Handicap Hurdle proved an incident-packed affair and, with plenty of loose horses around, the best place to be was in front as Another Rebel made all under Martin Ferris.
A total of five horse exited in varying incidents, and the 10/1 winner was a shade fortunate to avoid all the trouble as a loose horse nearly took him out approaching the final flight.
However Ferris got his mount safely home to beat Balnaslow (8/1) by four lengths, with top-weight He’llberemembered (20/1) a further half-length back in third. Usuel Smurfer (10/1) completed the placings in fourth, while a 10 cent in the euro deduction was enforced on board prices prior to the withdrawal of Gift Of Dgab (veterinary advice).
Winning trainer Michael Winters said, “Martin often gets the short end of the stick, and his been jocked off some of our horses in favour of other riders before.
“But he’s also ridden plenty of winners for us and is a good worker. He schools a lot for us, and gave that horse a peach of a ride with all the loose horses.
“We’ll leave him off for the winter, and go novice chasing in the spring.”
Barry Geraghty (injured thumb) and Adrian Heskin (arm) were both stood down after this race.
