Jack lands nice pot on handicap debut

Jack The Wire made his first start in handicap company a seriously profitable one when landing the feature event on day five at Listowel.

Denis Hogan 's charge claimed a maiden hurdle at the Galway festival on his last outing and the €60,000 Ladbrokes Ireland Handicap Hurdle was his first start outside novice company.

Settled behind the leaders by his trainer/jockey he was produced to challenge two from home in the two-miler.

The well-backed 11/2 shot (12/1 in morning) soon hit the front and Sir Scorpion gave chase going to the final flight.

Jack The Wire kept on strongly on the run-in to record a two-and-a-quarter length victory.

"He's a good horse but it has taken him this long to come to hand. If you see the size of him, he's 17 hands, and it has taken him this time,” said Hogan.

"He is still improving but wasn't strong enough to handle the winter conditions last year. He went and won well at Galway on better ground and while I was worried about the ground today, he is a better and stronger horse now.

"He's belonging to my parents and I'd say they won't sell him but you wouldn't know. He was nearly sold but he was leaving the yard and I wasn't having it. It's great to have them here today.

"The future is chasing and he's as exciting as we have. Whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus but he's a novice hurdler for the year and maybe can go chasing later in the year."

"I've a good team of staff too and I'll have to give them a mention too."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)