Neveradullmoment doubles career tally with second Galway success

The Philip Dempsey trained Neveradullmoment recorded the second win of his career when staying on best under Charlie O'Dwyer to land the opening Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Galway.

Off the mark over this course and distance last July, the seven-year-old had been chasing since. Switched back to hurdles here for the first time since that victory, the gelding made full use of his proven stamina to get up close home. Clonbury Bridge and Wajaaha led for much of the contest, before the latter took over after three out. Stretching on after the penultimate flight, the Pat McKenna trained nine-year-old looked booked for the main prize when three lengths clear entering the straight.

However, O'Dwyer, who had held Neveradullmoment up in mid division, went fifth after two out, then switched out to make ground after jumping the last in fourth.

Keeping on strongly to go second on the run-in, the 7/1 chance headed Wajaaha inside the last 50 yards to win in the colours of race sponsor J.P. McManus.

Philip Dempsey: “He won here on the Monday before and it was grand for him to get back again, and Charlie gave him a lovely ride.

“We had this in mind for a while as we knew he handled the track and it’s great to win their (Adare Manor) own race.

“He stayed on well and is bred to stay further. He’s a big strong horse and handled the ground well.

“He could go back over fences or maybe another go over hurdles at the likes of Listowel.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.