Lucky but Enright finally gets a Listowel win

Tralee man Philip Enright had a moment to treasure riding his first winner at Listowel, albeit in very fortuitous circumstances, aboard Alto Esqua in the John F. McGuire Beginners Chase.

The well fancied Roconga fell early but that was only the start of the drama.

Favourite Capital Force came down four out leaving Bamako Moriviere with what seemed like a race winning lead.

With an unassailable advantage Ruby Walsh's mount was claimed by the final fence leaving 11/2 shot Alto Esqua to come home in front of outsiders, Hand Of The King (50/1) and Well Joey (33/1).

Four lengths and thirty three lengths split the first three home.

Paddy Power paid out on Bamako Moriviere as a 'justice payout' — singles and multiples with no limit on the stake.

"He hit the last with a round to go. He seemed to jump really well afterwards and we would have been more than happy with second place. But they are there to be jumped and if you get it on a plate you have to take it," said winning trainer Charles Byrnes. 

"I'm delighted for the owner (Martin White) as he has a good few horses with me and it's our first winner in a while. 

"We didn't really fancy him today but a win is a win and we're delighted. We'll run him in a novice chase now and see where we go from here. 

"Going in the race, I'd have been delighted if he had finished in the first three or four. He spent the month of July schooling at Clonshire (Equestrian Centre) with Dan Foley and I was delighted with the way he jumped today."

(TW & EM)