Tony McCoy shrugged off his fall from Sportsmaster in the first to land the two mile maiden hurdle at Leopardstown on The Way We Were (9/2) in the JP McManus colours.
McCoy tracked Robbie Power on Espresso Lady and set sail for home at the final bend. With the final flight omitted due to Miktalina #8217;s fall there at the first The Way We Were outsprinted odds on favourite Aupcharlie (3/10 from 2/5) in the last 200 yards to win by a length.
Successful trainer Edward O’Grady said: “His jumping is his forte and I was delighted with the way he battled in the long run-in.
“It’s obviously very unfortunate for the connections of the horse on the ground (Miktalina) but an extra hurdle would have suited our fellow.
“He’ll go for a winners of one now and he’ll probably make a nice chaser in time.” Hawk Flight at 10/1 was third.
Michael Graham
