Slevin well-pleased with Listowel win on San Salvador

Joseph O’Brien saddled his fifth winner of Listowel 2021 when San Salvador landed the John J. Galvin Maiden Hurdle, the opener at the penultimate stage of the Harvest Festival.

Of course Assemble took the big one of the week, the Guinness Kerry National, for the Piltown operator here on Wednesday. That fellow was ridden by Shane Fitzgerald whilst it was O’Brien’s cousin, J J Slevin, that was aboard San Salvador.

San Salvador’s sire El Salvador stands with Slevin’s parents, Shay and Liz, at Killack Stud in County Wexford.

After the Killarney bumper scorer had gamely got it done from the front for O’Brien, and his sister Sarah, the owner, Slevin reported: "It was very straightforward. He obviously won a bumper last time but it was a fair ask to win on first run over hurdles ridden as positively as I was on him.

"I thought turning for home I was after over-doing it, and I probably did a bit but in fairness to him he didn't lie down and is a hardy horse.

"He had good winter form last year, isn't slow and when he is in a good rhythm, he keeps going. I'm delighted with him." Gaspard Du Seuil finished off well for the runner-up spot, a length and a half adrift of San Salvador.

There was another good run from an Eoin McCarthy inmate with 80/1 chance, the Mahler mare, Steak And Onions two and three parts of a length back in third.

Kevin Sexton called it a day with favourite Lucky Tenner in the straight, pulling the well-held Peter Fahey runner up before the second last flight.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Lucky Tenner, trained by Peter Fahey, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have abrasions on its left hind where it appeared it had been struck into.

A. McCurtin, rider of Babylon Beach trained by Ms. Debbie Hartnett, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount weakened quickly.

K.C. Sexton, rider of Lucky Tenner trained by Peter Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount went wrong behind.

(TW & EM)