McManus 9, Hourigan 2, as 'tricky' Gatechecker scores at Listowel

Trainer Michael Hourigan recorded his second winner of the week at Listowel today as his J.P. McManus owned The Gatechecker gained a fourth career success in the Shanahan Power (QR) Handicap Chase.

Ridden by Harley Dunne, the son of Classic Cliche today battled well to beat Georges Conn by four lengths, with the McManus owned Dont Kick Nor Bite finishing third, to provide the Limerick owner with his ninth success of this year's Listowel festival.

Following the race Hourigan reported "I've had four runners (this week), two winners and two got hurt and that's the way it goes. It's nice to get another winner and nice to get one for the green and gold (J.P. McManus) especially.

"He was dropped a pound and we claimed 5lbs, so was 6lbs better in today.

"He has been a tricky old horse but we might have the answer to him today by taking him out of the parade ring last; he gets too excited with the other horses and just locks on to the bit. The more you pull, the more he pulls but if you were able to drop the reins on him, he'd stop it.

"You have to keep him sweet as he is not an easy horse but he's not a bad horse."