Review LISTOWEL 18TH SEP

Andrew Leigh opened his account in dramatic fashion when successfully partnering outsider Pescetto Lady in the featured 50,000 euro Smithwicks Beer Handicap Hurdle.

The 19-year-old Kildare rider, whose father Eamonn is travelling head-man for trainer Jessica Harrington, belied his lack of experience (about 15 rides in public) with an accomplished display.

The five-year-old mare made steady headway to lead before two out, and kept on under pressure to hold the staying-on pair Harry The Ear and King's Opera by 3/4L and a head.

The 20/1 winner paid 75.40 on the Tote, and Harrington's husband Johnny said, 'Andrew gave her a beautiful ride. He's a really hard worker in the stable and will go a long way.'

He added, 'She is a tricky ride and sometimes can give trouble at the start. She fell at the first at Cheltenham's November meeting last year, and we may go back there again.'

Jim Culloty recorded his first winner at this venue on Monday, and the Kerry-born rider added to his tally here aboard Samasakhan in the beginners chase.

The Gold Cup winning pilot had to cope with a slipped saddle over the final two fences, and a fine leap at the last took him past the blundering Prodigal Son.

Statim ended a frustrating sequence of near misses by landing one of the heaviest gambles of the Festival when supported from 6/4 to 8/11 in the maiden hurdle.

Michael O'Brien's charge had to survive a stewards enquiry after veering left on the run-in under Denis Cullen to beat Shaunas Vision by two and a half lengths.

The odds-on victory was warmly welcomed by one lucky jackpot punter who scooped the 30,000 euro pool for a dividend of 22,500.

Persistent rain turned the ground to soft mid-way through the afternoon but this proved no problem to Anonymity who recorded a facile win in the three miles handicap hurdle.

David Casey's mount cruised to the front after two out to beat Minella Captain by three and a half lengths, with the gambled-on Bridge Hotel (9/2-2/1f) holding every chance 1 1/2L back in third.

Genny Lim (4/1-7/2) justified some market confidence on her belated seasonal debut in the mile maiden, leading a furlong out under Fran Berry to beat Lemonstown Lad by two lengths.

It was also a timely victory for owner/breeder Clodagh McStay who has a half-brother by Sinndar at the Goffs Yearling Sales next week.

'She had good form last year and was entitled to win that. She goes on the soft, will stay a little further and we'll find a handicap for her now,' said trainer John Oxx.

Michael Cleere (19) had his claim reduced to 7lb after partnering his third winner when Callow Lake made all in the 12f handicap for a three length win over The Local Lady.

Mikado easily landed the odds in the opening 2yo maiden, with Mick Kinane's mount showing the benefit of his debut second at Tipperary last week when asserting over a furlong out to beat newcomer Marinnette by 2 1/2L.

J P Magnier (19), who heads back soon to his business studies course in college, recorded his tenth success aboard Oscar's Advance in the winners' bumper.

Mags Mullins' charge was prominent throughout, and stayed on strongly in the final furlong to beat well-backed 2/1 favourite Strike Back by three lengths.

Alan Magee