Show And Go chases Listen Dear over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Prolific mare Listen Dear was collared in the latter stages of the Lord Hemphill Memorial Handicap Chase by Show And Go
Listen Dear was appearing for the first time in 441 days and travelled sweetly at the head of affairs for Ruby Walsh after three out.
The only horse that could go with her was Show And Go but he looked to be in trouble after the last as Listen Dear nimbly scooted away from it to draw clear.
Show And Go soon came under Mark Enright's whip to try and close as Listen Dear kept up the gallop.
However, it is a long uphill run-in at Ballybrit and Listen Dear could find no more along the rail in the final furlong as Show And Go picked up and passed her track-width apart.
The 12/1 shot beat the well backed 9/2 favourite by three and a half lengths.
Listen Dear was eight lengths ahead of third-placed Eiri Na Casca (20/1). Each-way punters got a reward from Coeur Joyeux in fourth at 16/1.
Henry de Bromhead, who was saddling a double, said: “It was a super ride from Mark. He’s had a great week and we were delighted to get him.
"It’s also great for John (Phelan, owner) whose Ornua was caught on the line here on Thursday so it’s nice for him to get the win.
“He won in Wexford last week and he seems to be in a great vein of form.”
Mark Enright has been confirmed as the top National Hunt jockey at the festival with three winners including the Galway Plate on Clarcam.
Willie Mullins (11 wins so far) is the top trainer.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
