Only One Plan (nearest) © Photo Healy Racing
The second split of the Ivan Connaughton Auctioneers Opportunity Handicap Hurdle saw Only One Plan get his head in front for the first time at odds of 9/2.
Dropped out towards the rear by James O'Sullivan, the six-year-old moved into contention on the outer entering the home straight with three to jump. Taking over in front between the final two flights, he kept on well to see off 5/2 favourite Presenting Lad by three parts of a length.
It was a fifth winner of the season for winning trainer Philip Rothwell who said: "The horse deserved it and the owner deserves it as well.
“Last year he ran well in a hurdle or two and picked up a little injury. It was slow coming back and he's been placed a good few times without winning.
“It was lovely to have James on him as well as he was out with injury and it's his first winner for me since he came back, he has had one or two other winners.
“Michael Cawe had a horse with me seven or eight years ago called Imperial Joey, that won a race for me, and I hadn't had a horse for him since until I got this lad so it's lovely to have another winner for him.
“Michael is from Ballinrobe so we'll see if there is a hurdle up there for him a little bit later in the year. It would be nice to get him close to home for him.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
