The Boat People jumps the last under Phillip Enright from Mister Hotelier in second© Photo Healy Racing
The Boat People put in a tough front running performance to take the feature at Killarney this afternoon, the Grade C KWD Handicap Hurdle.
Phillip Enright came in for the winning spare ride aboard the Henry De Bromhead trained gelding, with Andrew Lynch stood down for the day after his mount Charnley fell in the first.
Carrying a nice light weight of just ten stone one, the bay seven-year-old son of Talkin Man was sent off at 7/1.
He was tackled for the lead by Top Madam as they turned into the straight for the final time, but he pulled out more, fending off all challengers to win by a length and a quarter at the line. Mister Hotelier came through on the run-in to take second at 11/1 under Robbie Power for Colm Murphy, while Now This Is It (7/1) was a further half a length back in third under Steven Crawford for his brother Stuart.
Top Madam finished a gallant fourth, while Tribes And Banner could only manage a disappointing tenth, after going off the 3/1 favourite for Charlie Swan and John Cullen.
The winner, who is owned by the Garristown Aintree Syndicate, was recording his third career success today, reverting back to hurdles after finishing second to Why But Why in a beginners chase at Tramore on his last outing.
Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "Andrew got the fall on his shoulder, he thinks its okay but he has been stood down for the day.
"It is unfortunate for him but Phillip gave this fellow a super ride.
"I’m delighted for the lads (the owners), they bought him last winter and he has improved with every run.
"They love going to Aintree so we will probably aim him at one of the lesser two mile handicaps there."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
