Tab swoops late for the Slevins

The father and son team of Shay and Mark Slevin successfully combined to take the opening Explicit.ie Maiden Hurdle as Tabhachtach swooped late in dramatic fashion.

The five-year-old son of Quws, a 16/1 chance, was only sixth over the final flight but fairly flew home on the run-in to just collar Mystic Desir (13/2) on the line.

The runner-up was not helped by a mistake at the last but even still looked sure to score on the run-in until the winner‘s late charge. Dara Tango (9/2) appeared to be travelling strongly early in the straight but was not helped by a number of mistakes and eventually finished third.

The 5/4 favourite Tennis Cap was ridden up with the pace until dropping away tamely from two out.

Shay Slevin said, “He won a point-to-point and was placed over hurdles. The jockey was important to him today as he knows him well and he’s not an easy ride.

“He’ll probably go for a novice or a winners-of-one next. He goes on goodish ground and he jumps like a buck,” added the Enniscorthy handler.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)