Wild just gets the better of King's Wharf

The Michael McDonagh trained Wildcatted just got the better of the favourite King's Wharf in the feature at Bellewstown, the Attheraces Mullacurry Cup Handicap Hurdle.

A winner over the course and distance in June, the son of Shirocco then ran twice at the Galway Festival, finishing a good fifth to Shake The Bucket on the Monday, before disappointing behind Camlann on the Sunday.

Available at 16/1 last night, the seven-year-old victor opened on-course at 14's, before going off a 10/1 chance under Mark Enright.

Settled in a clear second behind leader Face Value he took closer order from four out, and lead before the next.

He came under pressure after that flight, and was pressed and headed by King's Wharf at the last. The market leader looked set to score from there, but Wildcatted battled on gamely, getting back up to score by a neck.

King's Wharf was returned at even money, with Jonathan Burke in the saddle, replacing Ruby Walsh who was stood down for the day after his fall from Muthaza in the second. Whizzzey Rascal (33/1) ran a fine race to finish third, a further three and a quarter lengths back under Sean Flanagan for Liz Doyle.

Assistant trainer James Ivors said afterwards: "We thought he'd run well in Galway but it didn't work out well for him. He missed the start, got well back and then got hampered when he tried to come through.

"He got his day today, thank God. Mark gave him a great ride and he battled back well.

"I was a little concerned about the two-and-a-half but he showed that he wants every yard of it."

Additional reporting by Gary Carson