Say It Ain't So and Daniel Holden (nearest) tackle Master Artist© Photo Healy Racing
Say It Ain't So battled back gamely to get up again close home and land the Redmondstown Maiden Hurdle at Clonmel for Henry de Bromhead.
The Kayf Tara gelding was a promising fourth on his debut at Limerick in June but had faded after running keenly back at the same track the following month.
He was prominent throughout in today's two-mile contest under Daniel Holden but surrendered the lead to 2/1 favourite Master Artist two from home after a sloppy jump.
Holden gave the 8/1 shot a strong drive on the run-in and he got his head in front again close home to record a neck success.
De Bromhead had lost last flight faller Hollow Moon in the opener and said:- "It was very sad about the mare in the first; she looked to be going really well she fell and it is very sad to lose her.
"I'm delighted with this guy and he is a real big chasing type of horse who loves that better ground. Hopefully he has a nice future and he is such a big horse all the time he gets will stand to him.
"I'll wait until next year to go chasing.
"The ground was a bit on the quick side for (the withdrawn) January Jets."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
