Aughnacurraveel on his way to victory from Back In Focus (partially hidden) & Coole Avenue© Photo Healy Racing
The Thomas Cummins trained 10/1 shot Augnacurraveel overturned the 11/10 favourite Back In Focus as he landed the Ballykisteen Hotel & Golf Resort Hurdle under Pierce Gallagher.
The 8yo son of Tajrassi had been running on the level of late but showed plenty of ability over hurdles last season, winning two and finishing fourth in a Grade 1 contest at Navan in December.
He ran just last Tuesday on the level at Killarney where he finished fourth behind Drive Time and his fitness showed today as made progress from the third last.
He challenged at the next and hit the front before the last. He then stayed on well on the run-in to score by two and a quarter lengths at the line.
Grade 2 winner Back In Focus, who drifted on track from 4/6 to 11/10, had every chance but a lack of fitness may have been the reason he failed to deliver and he had to settle for second on his first start for Willie Mullins (off the track for 471 days). Coole Avenue completed the placings a further three and a quarter lengths back in third under at 20/1 for Tom Cooper and Gerry Mangan.
The Dessie Hughes trained Whispering Hills was well backed on course from 3/1 into 7/4 but he ran disappointingly and finished last of the eight runners.
Thomas Cummins, who address is Augnacurraveel, Clashmore, Co Waterford, said afterwards: "He might go to Galway now or Tramore and Big Buck’s better watch out! You think I’m joking but I’m not."
Winning rider Pierce Gallagher was recording his first success since September 6th, 2010.
(On-course reporting by Thomas Weekes)
