Joint owners Anthony & Deirdre Murphy pictured with Danny Gilligan & Thomas Kiely (right)© Photo Healy Racing
There was a dramatic conclusion to the Adare Manor Opportunity Maiden Hurdle, with the well-supported Major Barry eventually coming out on top.
Twice a runner-up in bumpers, the John and Thomas Kiely-trained six-year-old was down the field on his first try over hurdles at Listowel last month.
Available at 8/1 in early shows for this extended two-and-a-half mile contest, the Sholokhov bay eventually went off the 10/3 favourite.
Settled behind the leaders by Danny Gilligan, the market leader took closer order from four out and was pushed along to challenge on the approach to the next.
Left in front at that obstacle, he increased his advantage when ridden on the run-in and came home four-and-a-half lengths to the good.
The John McConnell-trained Sage Conseil (10/1, drifted from 7/2 early) filled the runner-up spot under Alex Harvey, while the Barry Murphy-trained Island McCoo (16/1) was all of 16-lengths back in third.
The front-running Drumgill still held a narrow lead when crashing out at the third last, bringing down Tell Me This who was still in with every chance, in the process.
"We had a bit of luck but you need a bit of luck,” said Thomas Kiely.
"We hadn't luck on Friday night in Cork (The Last Line beaten a short-head in bumper) and we were glad of the rub of the green.
"I'd say he was going to be thereabouts anyway, they were probably going to fight it out.
"He was due it as he had two good bumper runs, his run behind Jalon D'oudairies was a very good run.
"I'd say that's probably his ground too, we had a mare in the bumper but pulled her out because it's too lively for her. That's his ground and he'll run away for the summer now at the likes of these tracks.
"He won well but I suppose the competition probably fell, Drumgill looked to have the form.
"It's great for the owners as they've had a few frustrating days with him.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
