Trump Sixteen (Danny Hand) leads Sil Ver Klass (Eoin O'Connell) home © Photo Healy Racing
Trump Sixteen certainly didn't go un-backed for the Panoramic Restaurant Handicap Hurdle at Limerick and he justified the confidence of those that supported him into 6/1 from 7s at the track with a two length success under Danny Hand.
Last time over half a mile further at the Christmas festival here, Trump Sixteen finished third to subsequent Leopardstown Grade B Coral Handicap Hurdle hero Off You Go.
Getting off the mark at the ninth time of asking on this occasion, Steve Mahon's charge jumped the last better than Sil Ver Klass before going on for a two length win.
Well-backed favourite Wild Sam was staying on, a head back in third.
"I bought him for 500 as a yearling, and he was a big baby last year and just needed time," revealed Mahon.
"He made a bit of a noise here at Christmas and he's had a wind operation. The vet Ben Brain did a great job, and I knew the first morning he cantered after it that he was perfect.
"We fancied him a bit this evening but he's more of a two and a half mile horse and Danny was supposed to hold him up a bit. He did the right thing as there was no pace, and he switched off as he's a lovely gentle horse.
"He's in at Punchestown but we'll see how he is between now and then. I know he'll come on from that run but, whether Punchestown is too soon, I don't know."
R.C. Colgan, rider of Rideonastar trained by Karl Thornton, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount disliked the ground.
K.C. Sexton, rider of Acclamatio trained by A.J.Martin, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount got tired and made a slight respiratory noise after the second last hurdle. In his opinion the gelding would appreciate a stronger run race on better ground.
(AM & EM)
