Starman lunges late to deny Splashing Out in close finish

Starman had his head down where it mattered most when getting up right on the line to land the Parkway Shopping Centre Rated Novice Hurdle at Limerick.

Claimed for five thousand euro by trainer Anthony McCann after winning at Clonmel in September, the grey went close to delivering an immediate return when second on two subsequent starts.

Having found a step up in class a bridge too far last time, the seven-year-old gave connections a nice payday when registering a first win in their colours this afternoon.

Travelling strongly as per usual, the gelding was held up at the rear of the field, before being asked to move closer by jockey James O' Sullivan early in the straight. Switching to the inner to deliver his challenge, the eventual winner stayed on strongly up the rail to lead close home for a short head verdict.

Anthony McCann, “He was disappointing the last day but has been a good claim for Ken (Farmer, owner). Unfortunately he’s not here today.

“James had to give the other horse (Ages Of Man) a lead to the start as he didn’t want to go down and then he fell at the second last - hopefully he’s okay. It’s James’ first winner for me.

“He’s a bridle horse and doesn’t find a lot but he’s won three races, two for Deccy (Queally).

“We’ll try and find something similar for him.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.