Treacys strikes again for Widger

Treacysenniscorthy continued on an upward curve when making it four wins in his last five starts with victory in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.

The Beneficial gelding has been a real star for trainer Robert Widger who only took out his licence in July.

Kevin Brouder gave the seven-year-old a positive ride from the front and he had the field at work running down to the last in the three-miler.

The well-backed 7/1 shot (20s in morning) was slightly untidy at the final flight but galloped on strongly on the run-in to record a length victory over the staying on Ronald Pump

“It's great to get it, brilliant. It was touch and go if he was going to get in or not,” said Widger.

“We've only two horses for the track so it's great. I have him and his half-sister.

“I knew he was in good form and is improving all the time. He won over two-and-a-half on the inside track at Punchestown last time and I knew going three miles around here would suit better.

“In off his low weight with Kevin taking 3lb off him was big help as well.

“He's a chaser really and I have my heart set on a novice handicap chase at Navan in the middle of March. After that we'll decide.”