Still Alive sticks to his task well

The whole complexion of the two mile handicap hurdle in Limerick changed when sweet-travelling Princess Mahler fell at the second-last.

She was in the process of challenging Miss Echrad who was left a couple of lengths in front racing to the last.

That lead was whittled away by Hussle Up who got tight for room upon touching down on Miss Echrad's inner. While this was happening, Still Alive unleashed his finish on the outside.

In the final 50 yards he got the better of Miss Echrad and took the spoils by three parts of a length at 11/1 for trainer Andrew McNamara.

Miss Echrad finished second at 20/1 while All The Chimneys the 9/2 favourite, was never nearer in third. The well-backed Hussle Up (14/1 to 8/1) completed the placings in fourth.

Jockey Luke Dempsey said: “I thought coming down the hill I was going to win and then I got caught in a bit of a pocket.

“The second horse got first run on me but my lad jumped the last two well. He’s a good little tough horse and he stuck his head down and came home well.”

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the straight involving Hussle Up, ridden by Katie O'Farrell, placed fourth, Miss Echrad, ridden by J.P. O'Sullivan, placed second and Chosen Flower ridden by P.T. Enright, placed fifth. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings but found J.P. O'Sullivan to be in breach of Rule 214 by riding improperly and having taken his record in this regard into account suspended him for four race days.

Additional reporting by Alan Magee