Cottage collects on handicap debut

Carrolls Cottage made a successful start in handicap company when running out a convincing winner of the Adare Handicap Hurdle at Limerick.

Philip Fenton 's charge carried top-weight in the two-mile-five contest as he made the step out of novice company.

The Mahler gelding was to the fore throughout, under Brian Hayes, and stayed on stoutly down the straight to land the spoils.

Fine leaps over the last two flights propelled the well backed 3/1 shot (8/1 in morning) to a three length win over Oscar Montel

"He had been running on deplorable ground and we thought this better ground would help him,” said Fenton.

"We were in two minds whether or not we'd draw the line with him or keep going. If we didn't get a result today we were going to keep him on the go for a novice chase.

"Brian was in the right place at the right time and came wide up the straight, which was a help and I think 2m5f is short of his best trip."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)