Lough does Archdeacon proud

Mountain Lough has proved a grand servant for Cork handler Louis Archdeacon in recent years, and the Anshan gelding was on the mark again in division two of the 2m2f handicap hurdle.

Successful now three times under rules plus twice in point-to-points, the 5/1 chance led before two out and kept on bravely under pressure for Andrew McNamara on the run-in to beat Hurricane Jojo (4/1) by half a length. Kauto Mill Rose (25/1) was another two lengths adrift in third, with Quiverhill Dreamon (20/1) completing the placings in fourth.

A stewards enquiry was called after the winner edged left on the run-in and inadvertently caused Hurricane Jojo to check the third horse but the placings remained unaltered.

Mountain Lough, who initiated a double on the evening for Archdeacon, was formerly trained by Charles Byrnes and is still owned by his brother Pat.

Archdeacon said, "He's been fairly consistent apart from his last run at Mallow. He could go to Killarney and then maybe the Galway Blazers."

Additional reporting by Donal Murphy