The Greek blunders at the last and Still Standing, far side, takes full advantage© Photo Healy Racing
The well-supported Still Standing won his maiden hurdle on first start for William Durkan at Gowran Park.
He challenged the leader and 9/4 favourite The Greek at the last, and was left in front when that rival made a shuddering mistake which soon dropped him to fourth. Cirque Royal tried to serve it up to Still Standing on the run-in but couldn't get to grips with him as kept on well to score by two and a half lengths. He was backed from 9/2 to 10/3.
Cirque Royal finished second at 3/1 out from 9/4. Lahinch Three (10/3) passed The Greek for third on the run-in.
Jockey Conor Orr said: “He came home (to the Durkans) only in the last couple of weeks for a change of scenery and it seems to have worked.
“I was lucky up the straight as Brian Hayes (on Lahinch Three) was hanging a bit left and I got a run up the rail. Thankfully he jumped the last better.
“Hopefully he’ll keep going now from this. I think ground is the key to him as he wants a little cut in it but not too soft.”
Still Standing won six times on the Flat for Jessica Harrington, the last one of which came in April.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
