Highland Charge and Neil Ryan lead Weddell Sea and Paddy O'Hanlon over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Highland Charge provided Noel Meade with his fourth winner in the space of three days, as he claimed the Writech Handicap Hurdle under Neil Ryan.
Successful in Grade 3 company as a novice, the Fame And Glory had been disappointing in recent times, finishing down the field when last seen at Fairyhouse in April.
Available at 33s in early shows for this two mile three furlong contest, the eight-year-old eventually went off a 14/1 chance and was never far from the pace.
Sent to the front after two out, the bay gelding was pressed from the last by Weddell Sea and needed to be ridden out on the run-in to see off that rival by half-a-length.
The runner-up was returned at 7/1 under Paddy O'Hanlon, while Moonovercloon (9/4 favourite) was all of 12-lengths back in third.
Highland Charge was completing a double for Gigginstown House Stud, who were earlier successful in the opener with Castra Vetera
"I came back from Australia at the start of May. I was there for nine months and was lucky enough to ride three winners. I went to work every morning and I enjoyed it," Ryan, who was recording his second winner since returning, commented.
"Noel said to jump off and be handy on this fella. I suppose if he put his best foot forward he was always going to be there and when the rain came I was laughing.
"He was game at the finish."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from Noel Meade, trainer following the winning performance of Highland Charge in this race, which appeared to represent an improvement on its previous run. Emma Connolly, Authorised Representative for the trainer reported that today's drop in class may have accounted for today's apparent improvement. Having considered the report and liaised with the IHRB Handicapper, the Raceday Stewards noted its contents.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
