Likeable Whisper now 3 from 3 at Foxrock

The likeable Beechmount Whisper maintained his 100 per cent record at Leopardstown, as he took the Leopardstown 'Summer Pass' Handicap.

Successful on his two previous visits to Foxrock last season, the son of Kodiac added a win over flights to his C.V at Kilbeggan in August.

He went down by a short head on his last start at Laytown in September, and he was sent off an 8/1 chance today on his seasonal debut.

Sent to the front early on by Gary Halpin, the winner made virtually all, staying on well under pressure from over a furlong out, going on to score by half a length. Club Wexford ran on well to take second under Kevin Manning for Jim Bolger at 8/1, while the 3/1 favourite Bainne was another length and three parts back in third under Donagh O’Connor for Johnny Levins. Roachdale House completed the placings another length and three parts back in fourth under Oisin Orr for Paul Flynn at 20/1.

Patrick Prendergast trains the winner for Dolores Jones, and the successful handler said afterwards: "He's marvellous. He was just getting tired near the line as it's hard work out there.

"He's just been schooling the last month because we were going to go back over hurdles as he has a rating of 114 over hurdles.

"This year we'll see if we can win a handicap hurdle with him and win a novice chase. He's a great old servant.

"He's big enough to jump a fence, in fact he fences his hurdles so I think he might be better at that than he is over hurdles.

"He's a big horse and he's an inch taller than he was last year. I was thinking he might be anchored but I suppose he's a bigger horse this year.

"Being drawn one was a huge thing there. With the way he likes to run it was a blessing. It was a good performance.

"He's no star but when they try it's half the battle and he tries."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson