Keep Swinging (left) and Barry Cash challenges Marvelous James at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Keep Swinging continued a good run for punters at Wexford this evening when defying top-weight in division two of the Phelim Byrne Seasuir At Wexford Racecourse Handicap Hurdle.
A first winner in ten months for trainer Michael Hourigan junior, the 9/1 chance (from 12/1) benefitted from a patient ride by Barry Cash.
The Oasis Dream gelding quickened up well on the outside to lead over the final flight, and stayed on well on the run-in to score by two and three quarter lengths. Marvelous James could find no extra from the last in second, while the veteran Marshim didn't enjoy much luck in running but kept on late to snatch third spot.
Hourigan said, "I think he got ride of the month. He had me worried for a long time but he stayed on well at it. That's the first time I've seen him stay on for a while.
"He will hardly get too many pounds and Bellewstown might be his next outing. I think there is an 80 to 102 that would suit him there.
"We have tried riding him every way but holding him up seems to have worked today. We've held him up before and he kinda ran well but flattened out. It just all fell right for him today.
"He is owned by Paddy Hayes from Ballinrobe."
(DM & AM)
