Anyway and Jack Kennedy pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Anyway made a mockery of his mark, as he trounced 12-rivals in the Bunkers Bar & Restaurant Handicap Hurdle.
Failing to finish on recent starts at Listowel and Galway respectively, the Ken Budds-trained six-year-old was available at 20/1 in early shows for this two-mile six-furlong contest.
Eventually sent off a well-supported 8/1 chance, the 116-rated bay raced mainly in second, as Littlebiggie established a clear lead.
Gradually closing on the front-runner on the final circuit, the Jack Kennedy ridden victor cruised through to lead three out and soon bounded clear, with 14-lengths the margin of victory.
The aforementioned Littlebiggie (4/1jf) ran an admirable race to fill the runner-up spot, while Toto Too (10/1) was another three-lengths away in third.
The other joint-favourite was the well-supported Ballycashin (10s early) and she trailled home in last.
"Nothing went right for us in Galway - we were late going to the start, were too wide and too far back but he was actually going to be placed, as Paddy (Hanlon, jockey) said he was staying mad," Budds commented.
"He stepped at the hurdle (when falling) and speed knocked him; he was going to run a big race.
"I asked Jack what he had to beat today and while he mentioned two horses, I told him we'd beat them.
"He is a lovely horse, will stay three miles and we have him schooled over fences as well."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Following a request from broadcasters, the Raceday Stewards granted permission for a 2 minute delay to this race
The Raceday Stewards received a report from the Clerk of the Scales, Ms A. O'Keeffe regarding the failure of C.M. Hogan rider of Falco Blitz placed sixth to weigh in after this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he felt he had finished well back in the field and wasn't required to weigh in. Having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards using their powers under Rule 230(ii), disqualified Falco Blitz from sixth place. Furthermore, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion C.M. Hogan was in breach of Rule 227(i) and having considered his record in this regard, they suspended him for two racedays and ordered him to forfeit his riding fee.
K. Callaghan, rider of Early Arrival trained by James M. Barcoe, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped poorly.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
