Davis paying his way for Doyle

The Eoin Doyle trained Jefferson Davis recorded his fourth career success, as he took the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Hurdle.

A dual winner on the level for Kevin Prendergast, the four-year-old son of Duke Or Marmalade was purchased by Doyle for E26,000 at Goffs last November.

He got off the mark for his new connections at Wexford on St Patrick's Day, and since finished fourth in the race won by Mr Picotee at Kilbeggan last Friday.

Backed on-course from 10's to 8's, the bay victor was settled behind the leaders by Sean Flanagan, and improved into third from three out.

He was pushed along before two out and soon led, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in, to just hold off the challenge of Zig Zag by a neck.

The runner-up was returned at 9/1 under Jody McGarvey for Joseph O'Brien, while Macs Legend (8's to 6's on-course), who made a bad mistake when leading two out, was another four lengths back in third, with Andrew Lynch in the saddle for Mary Louise Hallahan.

Four time course winner You Can't Catch Me was sent off the easy to back 9/2 favourite, and he finished a disappointing eighth.

Eoin Doyle said afterwards: "He got murdered at the start in Kilbeggan the other night. He never got into it but still finished fourth. He's only a four-year-old but seems to stay the 2m 3f well. He wouldn't want it any quicker than tonight.

"He might go for a four-year-old novice hurdle somewhere over the summer, and he could go back on the flat over a trip.

"My wife Gemma owns him so it will keep her happy!"

STEWARDS REPORTS

D.E. Mullins, rider of Presenting Mahler trained by John Patrick Ryan, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung left in the straight.

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined You Can't Catch Me, trained by Kieran Purcell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee