Flying Light in front at Leopardstown© Photo Healy Racing
Flying Light prevailed in a tight finish to the Mongey Communications Novice Handicap Hurdle at Leopardstown.
Andrew McNamara produced his mount to lead at the final flight but he was all out in the closing stages. Grange pushed him hard on the run-in and just failed by a neck to peg him back at the line. Doc Hollywood was sent off the 3/1 favourite (from 7/2) but could only finish seventh.
The 10/1 winner had been last seen when beaten favourite for a handicap hurdle at Galway in late October.
“He's been threatening to do that for a while. He shows us quite a bit at home,” said trainer John Queally.
“That seems to be the way to ride him – quietly into the race – he likes passing horses. He jumped very well and it's a relief to get a win.
“He'll maybe come back here for the next meeting – there might be something for him.”