National Wealth deservedly off the mark

Handicap first-timer National Wealth prevailed in the Plaza Hotel Handicap at Killarney under Seamie Heffernan.

Backed from 6/1 into 9/2 favouritism, the successful three-year-old, a consistent sort, was equipped with a tongue-strap for the initial occasion, stepping up to this mile six furlong trip.

In the end the son of Invincible Spirit held on by half a length and a head from Hurricane Sky and Touch Of Gold

"The trip was a question mark with his pedigree but it was worth giving it a whirl and we thought it might be worth taking a chance making the running with him," said Kevin Blake, representing winning trainer Joseph O'Brien.

"The seemed to crawl and he battled away.

"He showed a good attitude."

R.P. Cleary, rider of Lucca trained by Jarlath P.Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was struck into and was pulled up thereafter.

(TW & EM)