The Crafty Butcher jumps into the lead at the last in Listowel© Photo Healy Racing
Michael Hourigan and Barry Geraghty brought up their double on the day at Listowel with The Crafty Butcher in the featured M.J. Carroll ARRO Handicap Hurdle over two and a half miles.
The six-year-old gelding crept into contention and only caught the eye of the racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon as his challenge was delivered over the last and from there Geraghty only had to push him out as he stayed on to win by two lengths at 6/1.
Trainer Michael Hourigan said afterwards: “That was a super ride, the ride of the week. He was off the bridle passing the stands, but he does like to come from off the pace.
“My horses weren’t firing on all cylinders last season, but I’ve a few nice horses now. This horse will go chasing sooner rather than later. He was placed in a few point-to-points.
“All the local boys own him so that’s why there’s all the excitement. That’s three winners on the week for me.” Coolmill who had made all, found more for Joe Holly after the last and gamely kept on for second at 8/1, a short head in front of Darenjan (25/1). De Dodger completed the places in fourth at 12/1.
Winning jockey Barry Geraghty said: “I’ve had four winners this week at Listowel and three of them have been for Michael. He’s a great fella who has supplied me with winners over the summer. This is one of the big meetings of the year, everyone loves a winner at Listowel.”
Local trainer John Supple’s Roadtoabbeyfeale on his return from a break of 184 days, was heavily punted from 14/1 to 9/2 favourite, but was always in rear and finished 15th of the 18 runners.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
