Seasett and Paddy Hanlon. © Photo Healy Racing
Father and son, Shark and Paddy Hanlon had an evening to remember at Limerick on Thursday, recording a double as Seasett got up right on the line to win the Tote, Never Beaten By SP Handicap Hurdle.
Young Paddy, who had only ridden his first winner since turning professional just over an hour earlier, was making it a second in the paid ranks.
Produced from off the pace to go fifth on the approach to two out, Hanlon brought Seasett through on the inside to press leader Cullenwaine after the final flight.
Both he and Simon Torrens on the latter gelding went neck and neck inside the last furlong, with Hanlon just coming out the right side of the resultant photo.
Shark Hanlon said: "His owner Mark Sheasby got a touch out of this horse when he won for Paddy at Cartmel and I told him that he wouldn't be out of the first two today.
"I thought Paddy was very good as he hadn't much room but was very strong on him. He rode a very clever race and for a young lad, he's not too bad. You can't beat the 'flapping' (pony racing) as it absolutely crowned him as he learned so much.
"Paddy has six rides for me at Listowel on Saturday and, as he knows all the horses from being at home, I'll get him experience on mine instead of letting him ride for every Tom, Dick or Harry. I have plenty of horses for him."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes.
