On his first outing since a course second placing in March, ten-year-old Hows Patsy gained a second career success in Limerick's IWP Home Improvement Centre Handicap Hurdle today.

Owned and trained by Stephen Ryan and ridden by his nephew Trevor, the lightly-raced Hows Patsy (14s into 12s) attained his previous success in a Wexford bumper in July 2015.

Here the chestnut showed his versatility as regards ground as he stayed on too powerfully for Wade Harper (50s into 33s) and Moylisha Tim (20/1) over the closing couple of hurdles.

The margins at the line were eleven lengths and two lengths.

"He is a good hardy sort but has had a lot of problems over his life. By god when he's right, he is hardy and is good and is a decent oul horse," said the winning trainer.

"I thought he just might need the run today but he is seriously tough. I think I'll stay over hurdles with him as he has had so many problems and he is shoving on anyway. When the ground is soft and he is right he is half-decent and I won't delay while the ground is right for him."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gagas Horse (GB), trained by Gavin Cromwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have blood at the nose following exercised induced pulmonary haemorrhage.

G.N. Fox, rider of Gagas Horse (GB) trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.

P. Townend, rider of Offshore Oscar trained by E. McNamara, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

D.F. O'Regan, rider of Ange D'Or Javilex (FR) trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost his action and pulled up thereafter.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Ange D'Or Javilex (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost his left fore shoe.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Offshore Oscar, trained by E. McNamara, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame on his left fore post race.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined It's Only A Number trained by Francis J. Flood, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

(TW & EM)