87/1 double for Foley as The Holmeister just holds on

The Holmeister (10/1) just held on in the first divide of the Sweeney Oil Handicap Hurdle, completing a quick double for Jack Foley.

Trained by Michael Hourigan junior, the eight-year-old ran well on his penultimate start at Listowel, finishing fourth to Navigator Jack, but disappointed last time out at Tramore.

Sent off a 10/1 chance this evening, he was settled in mid-division on the outer, taking closer order with just over a circuit to race.

Poised to challenge in second as they bypassed the last, the James Cregan owned victor was ridden to the front from the furlong pole and just held off the late surge of Glenmalure Lodge with a head between them at the line.

The runner-up was returned the 10/3 favourite under James O'Sullivan for Philip Rothwell, while the well-backed Meindee (16s early and from 9s to 7s on-course) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths away in third.

Foley, who took the previous contest on Galon De Vauzelle said: "He's a grand horse and when I rode earlier and the ground was dry, I was confident he'd run well.

"I rode him loads of times last year. I rode my earlier winner (Galon De Vauzelle) wide and I said to the owner James that I was going to go wide and he said to do my own thing. James and Michael had him in great order today.

"He needed the line but if I'd jumped the last it might have made a difference to him.

"He’s declared to run in the Q.R. race at Limerick on Thursday and, knowing James, he'll run him. If he comes out of this well it'll probably do him no harm anyway."

Additional reporting by Mark Nunan