Sanibel Island returned to winning ways for Michael Hourigan© Photo Healy Racing
Sanibel Island gave trainer Michael Hourigan a notable double when running out a rather fortunate winner of the Tote.ie Never Beaten By SP Handicap Chase at Killarney.
The ten-year-old, making just his third start for the stable, was left in front at the last fence, following the exit of leader Zalika The latter mare looked to have the race in safe keeping but failed to negotiate the obstacle, thus leaving the way clear for the Hourigan trained winner.
With a previous chase record of 0-30, it was difficult to fancy Sanibel Island but he certainly appears to have improved since switching to the Patrickswell based trainer.
While Michael Hourigan was completing a double on the afternoon after scoring with Winning Rascal earlier on the card, jockey Darragh O'Keeffe was recording a treble, having also been successful aboard Toss Again
Michael Hourigan said; "Tom (Doran, previous owner) was finished with the horse and gave him to me. He was rated 127 at one stage and I thought if I couldn't turn him around I'd retire! He is only rated 70 and should have won at Sligo but wouldn't put his head out.
"He's not a bad horse and is a winter horse.
"Touch Of Oscar ran well, having not run his race in Listowel and he'll get his day."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
