Big Debates, right, challenges Rare Conor at the final flight© Photo Healy Racing
Robert Tyner's Big Debates won an argument with Rare Conor at the end of two miles and six furlongs in Ballinrobe.
Rare Conor came to tackle and head Mis Clogher approaching the final quarter of a mile of this handicap hurdle, but 3/1 favourite Big Debates was able to slipstream him on the run to the last.
Big Debates threw down his challenge there as Rare Conor landed in front and hugged the rail turning for home.
Both horses came under a drive with a furlong to go, however, Big Debates was ridden into the lead with 150 yards left and toughed it out well under Phillip Enright.
Rare Conor, in first-time cheekpieces, gave best by two and three quarter lengths at 11/2. He was nine lengths clear of third-placed Not So Simple (17/2).
“We never thought it would take this long for him to win a race (second to Minella Indo in a point-to-point in 2018) and his owner Maurice Kelleher deserves a lot of credit as he's had loads of problems,” said Enright.
“He was unlucky the last day and while he missed the third there, the extra trip suited him. He’ll mix it now.”
Big Debates also holds an engagement in the 3.45 at Tipperary tomorrow.
Kelleher, from Riverstick in County Cork, had his colours carried with distinction in the past by the likes of Footy Facts.
Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
