Mossy White not to be denied in Thurles finale

Mossy White bravely rallied on the run-in to win the concluding Horse & Jockey Handicap Hurdle at Thurles under trainer/jockey Denis Hogan. Frere Fontaine looked like he had this extended two and three quarter miler in his grasp when leading at the last.

However he couldn’t shake off the High Stakes Syndicate-owned Mossy White and the Scorpion six-year-old got there by a short head.

The point-to-point winner rallied having led at stages throughout this concluding event. He was shedding his maiden tag on the racecourse proper at attempt number thirteen.

"They are local owners,” explained Hogan.

"He is a gorgeous big horse who has taken time and I don't know how he didn't win during the summer. I said we'd come here and told the boys it would be 50/50 whether he handles the ground or not.

"He'll go chasing again, that's his job, and he is a married man's ride as he's good and safe.

"My secretary, Jess Cahalan, put the syndicate together last year and she had it sold within a week; she is brilliant and doesn't get enough credit for what she does."

(TW & EM)