Sasa too good for Wicklow in the Grimes Hurdle

Joey Sasa recorded the biggest win of this career to date, as he took the feature at Tipperary this evening, the Grade 3 Kevin McManus Bookmaker Grimes Hurdle.

Successful in a maiden on the level at Dundalk in April, the Noel Meade trained nine-year-old was second and eighth in competitive handicaps over flights at the Punchestown Festival in April.

He was last seen finishing fourth of eight to Law Girl at Listowel, and back over obstacles this evening he was sent off an 8/1 chance (from 10s) under Sean Flanagan.

Settled behind the leaders, he was fourth with a circuit to race. He took closer order down the back straight and was closer in third from three out.

The Eamonn Duignan owned victor came with his challenge at the next and was pushed along to lead before the final flight, keeping on well from there to score by a length and a half. Wicklow Brave (5/4fav) had no excuses in second, and couldn't keep up with the winner once headed before the last.

He eventually came home in second under Paul Townend, with stable mate Sharjah (3/1) another length and a half back in third.

Flanagan said afterwards: "He put down at the last but is always quick and clever and is a very good jumper. He was a little disappointing at Punchestown but he (Meade) has freshened him up and he has done it well.

"Wicklow Brave probably hasn't turned up at his best on the day but I'm quite content as he has run a lovely race and he's a nice horse.

"All going well he could go back for the Galway Hurdle now and he (handicapper) shouldn't be too hard on us now and it sets him up nicely for it."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes