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Gary Carson

Gary Carson

That completes hat-trick at Leopardstown

Sun 12th Feb 2017, 13:59

Who’s That (right) and Toe The Line jump the lastWho’s That (right) and Toe The Line jump the last
© Photo Healy Racing

The Liam Cusack-trained Who’s That completed a remarkable hat-trick when claiming the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown for the third year in a row.

It was also a noteworthy victory for Rachael Blackmore, who rode the last winner of her 5lb claim.

The 9/2 shot was produced to lead before the last and was tackled over the final flight by Toe The Line

The 2/1 favourite wasn’t great at the hurdle and Who’s That pulled out plenty on the run-in to record a neck success.

“It’s a bit special to win three in a row. She was well in. We won it last year off 100 and she was 106 this time,” said Cusack.

“There is not a better 5lb claimer riding at the moment than Rachael. David Mullins wasn’t too pleased with me as he rang a few times but I just felt we needed a bit of an edge.

“She idled a bit in front. Toe The Line was well in, she’s a very good mare on the Flat, and I thought we needed all the allowances to beat her.

“It’s great that she won for the owners, who have been with me from the start. I’m delighted for them.

“There’s a chance she will be covered now. I’d love to get a bit of black-type and I have the mares handicap chase at Punchestown in mind for her.”

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.