Golden Spear with happy connections© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Golden Spear landed the feature at Listowel, the Grade C Listowel Races Supporters Club Lartigue Hurdle, under Denis O'Regan for Tony Martin and owners Newtown Anner Stud.
Having his first run over flights since April the son of Kyllachy was available at 3/1 this morning, opening on-course at 9/4 before going off the clear favourite at 13/8.
Settled in mid-division he was fourth with a circuit to race. He took closer order from the third last and got a nice run through on the inner to lead at the next.
A tidy jump at the last sealed the deal as he comfortably saw off the challenge of Tigris River by a length and a half.
The hat-trick seeking runner-up was returned an 11/4 chance under Barry Geraghty for Aidan O'Brien while Time For Mabel was a further four lengths back in third.
Denis O'Regan said afterwards: "It was nice to be getting 18lb from the top-weight. He was very keen but when they have been running on the flat they tend to be keen and the heavy ground exaggerates it.
"A gap came on the inside turning in and I had to go with just 10st 6lb on his back."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Zafayan trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
R. Walsh, rider of Zafayan, trained by D. K. Weld, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.
D.J. Mullins, rider of Jesmond Lodge trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly right handed throughout.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
