Fort Carson (left) tried in vain to fend off eventual winner, Hard Bought and Brian O'Connell (nearside)© Photo Healy Racing
Brian O'Connell, rider of John Joe Walsh's first winner, Glen Ode on his previous start (Phillip Enright was up today), was back in the saddle to help the Doneraile handler to a 30/1 Thurles double. O'Connell got top-weight Hard Bought up to touch off Fort Carson by a head, in the Munster Handicap Hurdle.
Though the front-running Fort Carson was game, he couldn't quite shake off Hard Bought, who was never far away.
The Limerick third placer didn't go un-backed, returned 6s from 7s having been bigger this morning.
"He got left at the start in Limerick where he still ran a good race," reflected Walsh.
"He did well to get up there on the line today."
Tommy Tynan from Mullingar is the owner/breeder of the successful Perugino eight-year-old. Lake Field around 12s this morning into 6s, finished fourth.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Gatesoffrance trained by Peter Fahey, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
(AM & EM)
