Love Rory jumps the last ahead of Enchanted Forest© Photo Healy Racing
The opening race on the final day of the 2012 Listowel Festival, the Cows Lawn 4yo Maiden Hurdle, went to the Enda Bolger trained Love Rory with Adrian Heskin aboard.
The son of Winged Love was making his racecourse debut today after running in two point-to-points earlier this year.
He finished second on his debut at Kilmallock just a head behind Thomond in April before winning on his next start at Athlacca in May beating God's Own by a head.
Sent off at 8/1 today for his racecourse debut, he was always prominent and was on terms with the leaders at the fourth last.
He travelled strongly and hit the front as they entered the straight but was soon pressed by Enchanted Forest
He wasn't fluent over the last and was narrowly headed on the run-in before quickly regaining the lead and staying on best to score by half a length.
The Michael Hourigan trained, Barry Geraghty ridden Enchanted Forest had to settle for second at 5/2 while Reine Angevine (who was sent off the 9/10 favourite) for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh could only manage a disappointing third a further four and a half lengths back.
Winning rider Adrian Heskin said afterwards: "It was tight from the back of the last but he stuck it out well.
"It was his first run for a while and he will improve from it."
Winning owner Eugene Kavanagh, who owns the Gravediggers pub in Glasnevin, said afterwards: "Coming down from Dublin this morning we were hoping for a good run but this is absolutely unbelievable.
"I’ve had horses with Enda Bolger since 1990 and he is an ultimate gentleman to deal with."
