Youralwaysdreamin leads over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Youralwaysdreamin showed admirable resolution to win the opening claiming hurdle at Limerick from what looked a beaten position.
He led and raced clear with the second, Nevendon as soon opened up a gap on Like Ta Ma and Aide De Camp
The leader got in a bit tight five out and was headed by Nevendon as the pair enjoyed an even bigger gap back to the field. Bal De Rio and Makfils availed of the downhill run to make big inroads into the leaders approaching the final three furlongs.
Youralwaysdreamin came off the bridle on the home bend and was ridden by Ricky Doyle as Bal De Rio and Makfils joined him for second two out behind Nevendon who still appeared to be full of petrol.
The complexion of the race totally changed approaching the last as Youralwaysdreamin got his second wind and stormed to the front as Nevendon weakened.
Bal De Rio tried to go with Youralwaysdreamin, but the latter stayed on gamely on the run-in of this 2m5f assignment to post a tough length and a half success. He landed a gamble from 10/1 in the morning to an SP of 4/1. Bal De Rio took second at 5/1 and was two and a half lengths in front of Makfils at 5/2.
Winning trainer Pat Foley, who has saddled three winners and a runner-up from his last five runners, said: "It is great to get that and good to have those races for him. He was probably lacking in confidence and, for whatever reason, didn't seem to be in love with it on his last two runs.
"Today's race was better than running in a maiden or with top weight in a 0-109 handicap and we'll see what happens now if an offer comes in. Michael (O'Dowd, owner) couldn't be here today as he is at a funeral, but either way he'll be happy.
"The race worked out ideally, getting an easy lead and not getting crowded early was a big help. He won't get that type of race every day but there is more in him if you can get him on a going day and will have no bother getting three miles. If he isn't claimed, we'll see what the handicapper does."
Nevendon was claimed for €5,000 by Ergo Ventures Ltd and David Timpson to be trained by his same handler John McConnell. Makfils was claimed for €5,000 by Bernadette Leigh to be trained by Jarlath Fahey.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes
