Breeze lands gamble in finale

Winter Breeze justified good support in the concluding race at Listowel today when claiming the John Francis Handicap Hurdle in convincing fashion.

Mick Winters charge, who had won his maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe last month, was backed from 9/2 this morning and went to post the 2/1 favourite.

Barry Geraghty produced him to lead turning for home and he galloped on well in the closing stages in the three-mile contest. Vintage Supreme stayed on into second without looking like pegging back the winner.

"He's bred to stay as his dam is a half-sister to Earthmover," said Winters, who was warmly congratulated after the popular winner returned.

"He's a big six-year-old and was entitled to improve. He wants it soft and we'll keep him to three miles over hurdles this year."

The second last was bypassed in the race as Andrew Ring had taken a fall from Lunch Master on the previous circuit in the three-mile event. Ring got to his feet afterwards.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)