Mark Walsh bides his time on Glenquin Castle (white cap) © Photo Healy Racing
The 80-95 handicap hurdle over three miles saw 9/4 favourite Glenquin Castle extend his winning sequence to five in the hands of Mark Walsh.
Known to idle in front, Walsh was happy to creep into the race and the 7-year-old was produced to lead halfway up the run-in before staying on to beat Humps And Bumps by a length and a quarter. Roped In caught the eye staying on well for third with Lady L’lerom completing the frame.
The gelding by Getaway was following up a hurdles win at Tipperary after earlier rattling up a a hat-trick over fences.
Winning trainer Martin Brassil (completing a double after Choice Of Words rsquo; earlier success) said: "He keeps surprising us and wasn't as bad (idling in front) today. But you never know with him as he can actually stall quickly when he gets to the front.
"He thinks the race is over and doesn't know anything about the winning post!
"I hadn't looked beyond today as I was thinking the ground would be gone but he (Walsh) said he handled it and it's now deep. We were lucky the rain hadn't really got into it but depending on the weather over the next few weeks, he could go again. If not, he deserves a break.
"I had a horse in similar colours (JP McManus) to complete a five-in-a-row, Double Seven in 2013. He was a much classier horse and won the Kilbeggan Midlands National, the Munster National and a Listed chase in those five wins before finishing third in the Aintree Grand National."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
