Sparkling Tara foiled the gamble on Suffren (backed from his morning price of 8/1 into 7/2fav) but landed one of her own (backed from 16/1 into 10/1) as he just got the better of the favourite to win the Mad for Road Concert 21st July Handicap Hurdle for trainer John 'Shark' Hanlon and jockey Ken Whelan.
Making his handicap debut, the winner who finished second in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper of 2009, had been disappointing since going over hurdles after finishing second twice, third and fourth on his four bumper starts.
The son of Kayf Tara was always prominent and led approaching the straight. He was strongly pressed at the last by Suffren but a great jump there made the difference as he just held off the favourite by a neck at the finish. Missgiloney at 12/1 finished a further three and a half lengths back in third under Johnny Cullen while Teak completed the placings four lengths back in fourth at 13/2.
Winning trainer John Hanlon said afterwards: "He was entitled to win that on his bumper form. He was second in the Land Rover Bumper, but he has had a few problems since.
"Its great to win for the owner (Annette Mee) and he may go for a handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival now."
Winning rider Ken Whelan was recording his first win since return from a brief stint in Australia.
