Brian O'Connell rider of Wildcatted© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Wildcatted registered his third career success as he took the last at Bellewstown, the Kingbet Handicap Hurdle.
Available at 14's last night, the Michael McDonagh trained seven-year-old opened at 9/1 on-course before going off a 6/1 chance under Brian O'Connell.
Settled behind the leaders he was pushed along in third two out. He came with his run before the last, and hit the front on the run-in, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by three parts of a length. Persian Wind (returned 9's from 16's last night and from 10's on-course), who lead from two out, had to settle for second under Luke Dempsey for his father Philip, while Sharlanda (10/1) was three and a half lengths back in third under Robbie Power for Colm Murphy. Next Bend and Fighting Days were sent off the 5/1 joint-favourites and they finished fourth and ninth respectively.
Tour D'Argent, who was the early morning favourite, proved friendless with punters and went off at 10/1. He eventually finished a very disappointing eighth.
James Ivors, assistant trainer to the winning handler, said afterwards: "We thought he would win in Listowel (finished sixth) but he obviously didn't stay two and a half miles.
"He didn't settle in Listowel but he got him to settle well tonight."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
