Sonny May, centre, wins by three and a-half lengths© Photo Healy Racing
The well-backed Sonny May took the honours in a eventful novice handicap hurdle at Gowran Park.
Denis Hickey 's seven-year-old gelding was noted attracting support this morning from 22/1 to 11/2 and further cash at the track saw him go off 4/1 favourite.
Sean O'Keeffe hugged the rail in third turning for home and the jockey had to switch left as he had no room between horses racing to the last flight.
He had plenty of horse under him, though, and his mount came through to lead at the final hurdle. He scooted away on the run-in to prevail by three and a-half lengths. Disco Dancer finished second at 11/2, a neck in front of Run For Harry (17/2).
O'Keeffe said: “I was delighted with him the last day (fourth at Fairyhouse), he had a lovely run — his first run in a good while.
“He came on a nice bit from that, he did everything great today and won well.
“He took a little bit to get going early on but, once he gets travelling and jumping, you can go where you like with him.
“I knew I had plenty of horse down the straight and he picked up when he got a bit of room going to the last.
“He definitely likes a bit of nice ground but, in fairness, he had a good run in a maiden hurdle on soft ground at Naas as well.
“It could be the horse is improving, Denis has done a great job to get him back. He's just had a few little problems. He's got him back, good and fit, today.
“I'm delighted to ride a winner for Denis as he's been a big supporter of me, since starting out in point-to-points.
“When I started riding in point-to-points I had a few winners for Denis and used to ride out for him in the afternoons.”
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
