Spring starts New Year with a win

Ian McCarthy partnered his first winner for trainer Philip Rothwell when making all on Spring Wine (a well beaten sixth here yesterday) in the Richard Barron Memorial Novices Handicap Hurdle at Tramore today.

The son of Jolly Jake had previously failed to win in 19 starts but made no mistake today without seeing another rival, eventually staying on gamely for a length and a half win over Catleen

Afterwards Rothwell said “Spring Wine tipped along in front here yesterday but when he is headed, he stops.

“I said to Ian (McCarthy) going out there that it was his last chance and to grab ten lengths at the start if he could. Ian probably thought I was mad and said to me ‘are you sure on this ground?’ and I said to ‘grab 20 lengths if you can’! I’m glad the plan worked out.”