Clonbury Bridge and Luke Dempsey © Photo Healy Racing
Clonbury Bridge (15/2) foiled a gamble on runner-up Brides Hill (4/1 fav, from 12s this morning) when winning the Arthur Guinness Handicap Hurdle for Philip and Luke Dempsey.
The latter sat handy before letting his mount stride on after the fourth-last and he stayed on strongly on the run-in to defeat the market leader by two and a quarter lengths. Karakhan (15/2) and Insane Bolt (14/1) filled the frame.
The victorious Presenting gelding, wearing cheekpieces for the first time, had got off the mark at Limerick in May and had been runner-up in his two starts since then.
"It's great and the owners are all friends of mine,” said winning trainer Philip Dempsey.
“They are from Carbury and Johnstown. They are neighbouring parishes and have a great rivalry at football. They are wild men now!”
Quotes from Gary Carson
