Sweeney gets Bothar up on the line

The well-backed Bothar Dubh got up on the line to deny 33/1 outsider Pilgrim Way in the Race & Taste Festival May 10th & 11th Handicap Hurdle.

Successful at Clonmel in February, the Declan Queally trained six-year-old then fell on his most recent effort over fences.

Back over the smaller obstacles today, he opened on-course an 11/2 chance, touching 6s, before going off the market leader at 4/1.

Going to the last Pilgrim Way and Grey Atlantic Way appeared to have it between them, however Bothar Dubh and Mikey Sweeney had other ideas, as they kept on well up the run-in, getting up on the line to prevail by a short head.

There was three parts of a length between Pilgrim Way and Grey Atlantic Way in second and third, while Just Klass was a further ten lengths back in fourth.

Queally, who trains the winner for Bridget Eileen O'Mahony, said afterwards: "He was a cheap horse the owners bought for fun and it is a bonus to win two races with him. He is only a handy little horse and he ideally wants a little further than two miles.

"His owners are local, are into point-to-points and wanted a runner here on Easter Monday. It was great it worked out and we're delighted as it's a big day for all the point-to-point followers.

"We'll fool away with him for the summer now."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Buttons And Bows trained by Patrick J.Flynn, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes