Carrigmartin just holds on in a thrilling finish

The Grade C Friday Evening Racing at Cork Racecourse Handicap Hurdle produced a thrilling finish to what was an incident packed race with Carrigmartin (8/1) for trainer Eddie Harty with Niall Madden aboard just hanging on to deny He’llberemembered (12/1) under Shane Butler.

9/1 shot Persian Gayle was coming with his challenge alongside the winner at the third last where he fell and brought down Benefit Of Porter

As they race towards the second last Carrigmartin eased into the lead with He’llberememberd staying on, on his outside. Apalachicola who was struggling in third fell at that flight.

Niall Madden got serious aboard the winner as they approached the last as the runner-up looked a real threat. As they raced towards the line He’llberemembered was eating into the winners lead but he just hung on to score by a nose.

The front pair went six lengths clear of the third placed horse who was Shamiran for Stephen Nolan and Ian McCarthy at 12/1 while Hans Crescent was a further seven lengths back in fourth at 14/1 under Adrian Heskin for Michael Hourigan.

The winner who is a 7yo son of King’s Theatre can be very hot and cold form wise and was bouncing back to form here after three average efforts recently.

He was however recording his sixth career victory today after winning three races in 2010 and two last season.

Winning trainer Eddie Harty wasn’t present for the win.