Whiskey Sour ends long wait for win

Whiskey Sour ended a four years and four months winless spell at Leopardstown today, as the Willie Mullins trained, former Grade 1 winner justified 4/7 favouritism in the Anton O'Toole Hurdle.

Whiskey Sour's previous win, at today's venue in 2017, was gained in fortuitous circumstances in a top-level novice hurdle, as leaders Sharjah and Real Steel both dramatically fell at the final flight and today he ended a 17-race losing spell.

The six-runner race is named in honour of Dublin's late great footballer of the 1970s and having made most of the running, Whiskey Sour fought off the persistent challenge of only real pursuer Gallant John Joe to eventually score by 15 lengths.

Winning jockey Paul Townend reported “he enjoyed himself, the race suited and the ground suited.

“It was a bit of a worry turning into the straight but the further up the straight we came, the better he was going. He showed that in Naas the last day and was very well treated in this race.

“He's handy but he has a very good jump in him and he's very clever so I'm sure he could jump a fence but whether or not they want to go that route I'm not sure. He's a good horse on the Flat too.

“Those decisions will be up to Luke (McManon, owner) and they'll have plenty of fun with him. It's surprising how little he's won for a horse that has been so consistent.”

Quotes from Gary Carson