O’Sullivan tops ‘Again’ to land Listowel feature for Mulvany
ON THE GO AGAIN hung on to land the Liam Healy Memorial Lartigue Hurdle on day three of Listowel’s Harvest Festival.
Michael Mulvany’s charge has been in excellent form on the Flat so it was no surprise that he was sent off the 7/2 favourite for his return to the jumping game.
Mischievious Max rallied close to home, but On The Go Again held on to score by a neck.
Triumph Hurdle fourth Ex Patriot travelled strongly into contention on the turn but the lack of a recent run, as well as the steadier of 11st 10lb, told, although he still ran an excellent race to finish third.
For winning jockey Ross O’Sullivan, it was his first ride since turning professional.
Mulvany said: “This was the plan from early in the year and we were saving his handicap mark. His runs on the Flat recently would have helped fitness-wise and he is fierce genuine.
“The handicapper might now give him a few pounds but we’re not worried and it’s a lovely race to win. He’s after having a long season and we’ll see how he is after this.”
Knowing You showed resolution which belied her inexperience to come out on top in the Fillies Handicap.
On just her third start, the Dermot Weld-trained 11/4 favourite was always prominent and showed her mettle after coming under pressure two -and-a-half furlongs out.
Rosin Box proved a tough nut to crack, while last year’s winner Gentil J also threw down a challenge, but Pat Smullen’s perseverance paid off as Knowing You dug deep to deny Rosin Box by a length-and-three-quarters.
Smullen said: “She did it well and is tough and genuine. She gets through that ground very well and is progressing along nicely.”
South East displayed excellent reserves of stamina to claim the Auction Maiden.
Jockey Kevin Manning said: “Ground conditions are very tough and he got through it pretty well. He’s a big, strong horse and had experience and fitness on his side.”
Tonkin (9/4) was in a different league to his rivals in the Jet O’Carroll Memorial Maiden.
Following a flag start, the Patrick Prendergast-trained son of Camelot was sent into an outright lead fully half a mile from home by Ronan Whelan and he galloped through the testing conditions to cross the line with eight-and-a-half lengths to spare over well-backed newcomer Harbour Approach.
PULLING
Prendergast said: “I’m glad now because I thought about pulling him out. I like this horse and when I found out there were no stalls I was thinking how bad might it be for a two-year -old.
Youceeyouceecee followed up his recent Roscommon success off an 8lb higher figure in the Brandon Hotel Handicap.
The 6/1 chance took the lead off Alans Pride half a furlong out and prevailed by three-quarters of a length. Trainer Susan Finn said: “He absolutely loves this ground and he’ll run again on Friday under a 5lb penalty.”
Alto Esqua ran out a very fortunate winner of the Beginners Chase after Ruby Walsh and Bamako Moriviere came to grief at the last when holding a massive advantage.