Chief Of Panama soars over the last in Limerick© Photo Healy Racing
Chief Of Panama had enough in the tank to repel the closers in the two mile five handicap hurdle at Limerick.
David Mullins made his move from fourth to lead on the inside coming round the home bend. The pair still had to two hurdles to negotiate in the straight, but they were jumped slickly. Medinah Gold (9/1) and Happy As Larry (14/1) stayed on to good effect after the last and closed on the 9/2 favourite without ever looking like getting there. They had to settle for second and third respectively.
Those who backed Fantastic Bob each way received a place dividend as he took fourth in this 18-runner handicap.
Handler Liam Cusack said: "On Sunday I rang the owners and said I probably wouldn't be declaring him as I thought the ground would be too soft but yesterday I was surprised to see it yielding to soft and when I looked at the race and with David's claim, I thought we had a right chance.
"He was quite weak but has got stronger over the winter break and is maturing with his races. He'll make a nice chaser but will stay hurdling for the time being."
"The winning owners (Knees Up Syndicate) are a family syndicate and headed by James Treacy, from Galway, while others are based in Wexford and England."
Chief Of Panama was a beaten favourite last-time out when third in a two mile handicap hurdle at Wexford.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
