Punters Spoiled Rotten in Roscommon

Spoiled Rotten brought up plenty of bets with a last-gasp victory in the first division of the Larry O'Farrelly Memorial Maiden Hurdle in Roscommon.

The Flemensfirth gelding had finished 11th on hurdling debut at Tipperary in May but left that form behind today.

He was backed from 22/1 to 9/1 and came from off the pace between the last two hurdles.

He finished well to catch an all-out front-running Gallic Boy near the line to score for Denise Foster.

The winning margin was a neck to the 11/1 runner-up. Patricks Hill kept on well for a close third at 9/1.

Jockey Jody McGarvey said: “He jumped and travelled well. It all fell apart in front of me and he just picked up the pieces, he outstayed them.

"He was a bit disappointing in Tipperary but he seemed to learn a lot from it and he has taken a nice step forward. You couldn't fault him, he did everything right today.

"He was off the bridle from a long way but he ground it out well. I'd say he is probably one for a step up in trip."

The Stewards requested a report from Mrs Denise Foster, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Spoiled Rotten, placed first, as compared with its only other previous run when beaten by 76 lengths at Tipperary on 20th of May 2021. Camilla Sharples, authorised representative for the trainer, reported that Spoiled Rotten had disappointed at Tipperary after jumping very poorly throughout. She added that the animal underwent intense schooling since and jumped very well today, which she felt had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson