Hassett & O'Grady combine for Empire win

Parthian Empire caused a 20/1 upset as he came out top in the Harvest Festival 16th to 22nd September Handicap Hurdle for his trainer Edward O’Grady with Shane Hassett in the saddle.

The 6yo son of Parthian Springs showed very little in maiden hurdle company and pulled up last time out on his fifth career start and his first in a handicap in the race won by See Double You at Limerick last month.

Having tracked the leaders under a keen hold for much of the race he was second at the second last flight (normally three out, but the last was omitted due to an earlier faller).

He and Milano Bay then disputed the lead on the run to the last before he gained the upper hand after the last and stayed on best to score by two lengths.

25/1 shot Milano Bay had to settle for second under Pierce Gallagher for Donncha Duggan while Watt A Diva was a further four lengths back in third for Daniel Murphy and Tim Carroll at 12/1.

Ballymac’s Present completed the placing a further four and three parts of a length back in fourth at 16/1 for Maurice Barry and Ian Power while the 5/2 favourite Pretty Happy was a further two lengths back in fifth under Ruby Walsh for John Berry.

Winning trainer Edward O'Grady said afterwards: "They are fun old things horses. He worked well last week for probably the first time ever but I didn’t know whether he would reproduce it.

"He jumps well and likes going left handed. He will go for something similar next.

"He reversed into my car yesterday and that might pay for some of the damage!"

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes