This Trap continues on the up

It's an endearing trait in any horse to see them put in their best work at the finish and for the fourth race in succession (since being launched over flights in fact) Massini's Trap was strong where it mattered most. He landed the John Fletcher Memorial Novice Hurdle under 7Ib claimer Kevin Sexton at Listowel.

One would have got long odds about Diplomat and Shamar finishing out of the frame here and it was the well-backed King Of The Picts that proved most troublesome for Massini's Trap. However Sexton's mount was a length a quarter superior at the finish with four lengths back to Becauseicouldntsee in third.

Successful handler James Nash said: "He's a very small horse but he seems to have an awful lot of ability.

"We didn't really know how he'd go on the ground as he'd won on good to firm but we claimed seven off him meaning he was getting plenty of weight off the principals.

"He travelled great for the young lad and jumped very well. I think the seven pounds made the difference.

"Ruby (Walsh) won on him at Ballinrobe and he actually felt after his last run at Cork (2nd there) that he was after improving a good bit and now it turns out he was right.

"Kevin is a good lad for the 7Ib claim.

"We could look at some of the novice races at Cheltenham in October or November for the horse now."

Meanwhile Sexton revealed: "James told me how the race would pan out and he had it down to a tee. Everything went perfectly to plan. The horse travelled great and jumped great and I was always happy on him.

"Andy Mac (on King Of The Picts) kind of got a bit of a run on him but I was happy enough to sit and take my time. It all worked out perfectly.

“Things are going well since I joined Henry De Bromhead. I love it down there. Things are going well so far. Tomorrow I'll be having my first ride for the yard since I started working there. Hopefully I can get off to a good start." (TW & EM)