Topgun Simmy clears the last under Paddy Hanlon© Photo Healy Racing
Trained by John 'Shark' Hanlon and ridden by his son Paddy, Topgun Simmy made the breakthrough on his second start over flights in the John Dowling Memorial Maiden Hurdle.
The form of his fourth place finish at Kilbeggan last month has been working out particularly well, with the second, third, seventh and eighth all successful since.
Markedly up in trip and sent off a 7/2 chance this afternoon, the Doyen five-year-old was settled behind the leaders, taking closer from four out.
Pushed along to challenge the front-running Uncle Pat (10/11f) from early in the straight, the bay victor got to the front before the last and needed to be ridden out on the run-in to hold off the effort of Innatendue by half-a-length.
Alex Harvey was aboard the runner-up for John McConnell, while Chosen Thyme (9/2) kept on without threatening in third, another length-and-a-half behind.
The aforementioned Willie Mullins-trained market leader faded in the closing stages and eventually finished fourth under Kieran Callaghan.
"He's a lovely horse but I was just a bit worried about the jump up in trip. Paddy gave him a great ride as he didn't panic and gave him a chance," the winning trainer commented.
"I'm delighted to have a winner for the Durkan family and the two lads are sons of the late Tony Durkan.
"They would love to go to Galway and we'll plan something for there.
"He was tough and stayed at it.
"It's great for Paddy as well and that’s his third winner in the last ten days."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards interviewed A. Harvey, rider of Innatendue (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned wo accepted he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that A. Harvey was in breach of R.10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record in this regard (second offence), they suspended him for four racedays.
K. Callaghan, rider of Uncle Pat, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount ran too keen.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
