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Donal Murphy

Donal Murphy

Pray Tell prevails after lengthy delay at Listowel

Thu 26th Sep 2024, 18:04

Pray Tell and James Smith pictured on their way to victoryPray Tell and James Smith pictured on their way to victory
© Photo Healy Racing

Two medical emergencies resulted in a lengthy delay at Listowel, with the air ambulance required.

The Behans Horseshoe Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Handicap Hurdle went off over an hour later than scheduled, with Pray Tell ultimately running out a decisive winner.

Owned and trained by Desmond Kenneally, the eight-year-old was placed three times before making the breakthrough at Kilbeggan earlier this month.

Sent off a 4/1 chance this afternoon, the son of Ask tracked the leaders on the outer under James Smith, improving into a close second from three out.

Easing to the front before the next, the 116-rated victor soon went clear and was kept up to his work on the run-in, coming home four and a half lengths to the good.

The Gavin Cromwell-trained Club Manager (12/1) filled the runner-up spot under Conor Stone-Walsh, while the well-backed Ballywilliam Boy (4/1 from 10s) was half-a-length away in third.

Returned the 7/2 favourite (from 12s early), Millstream Lady finished fourth.

"He was in great form coming and I knew he'd run a big race but I didn't know how he'd handle the ground," Kenneally revealed.

"James said he handled it and he was very good and slick. He is a good horse, it was James' first time sitting on him and he did exactly as I asked and gave him a brilliant ride.

"He is a real hurdler and while he has given a lot of problems down through the years, we are on top of them. I'm delighted and love Listowel."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.