Loop lands gamble for Roche and McManus Out Of The Loop asserted in the closing stages to land a significant gamble in the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse. Christy Roche's charge was all the rage having been backed from 6/1 this morning and eventually went off the 5/4 favourite. Mark Walsh, hot off the heels of a four-timer yesterday at Limerick, produced the JP McManus-owned gelding to challenge turning for home and he was in front jumping the second last. Nobody Home was a strong challenger going to the final flight but Out Of The Loop found plenty on the run to gain a three-and-a-quarter length victory. The winner had been a promising fifth in his first handicap start at Down Royal last month. Padraig Roche, the trainer's son and assistant:- "He's one that has improved from every race, so if he keeps doing that he's a grand horse. He's still a baby and is only turning five, so hopefully he can keep improving. "Mark gave him a great ride, and he likes that ground and that trip." (Quotes by Alan Magee)
