Ifitwasme and Calum Hogan pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Calum Hogan followed in the footsteps of his father Ray, when guiding Ifitwasme to victory in the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
Hogan senior won this very race in 1996 aboard Tidjani and 28 years later it was his son who landed the spoils, registering his first winner over flights in the process.
One of two Eric McNamara trained runners in the line-up, the bay victor was sent off a 10/1 chance in the colours of Cian, Damien, Joe and Mike Wilmot.
On what was his handicap debut over flights, the Dragon Pulse four-year-old was soon settled behind the leaders, improving into a share of the lead after three out.
Sent to the front approaching the straight, he quickly increased his advantage and eventually came home 12-lengths to the good.
Bidding to complete a quick double, Ross O'Sullivan and Tom Harney had to settle for second with Targa Flavio (7/1), while Say It So (16/5f), a stable companion of the winner, was another four lengths away in third.
"He got what we felt was a fair mark over hurdles last year so, to be honest, we had this race in mind for him for quite a while. I'm delighted it worked out and all the owners are local from Rathkeale," McNamara commented.
"Calum works with us full-time, is a 7lb claimer and while he is quite inexperienced over jumps, is a good lad with hopefully a promising career in front of him.
"His father Ray rode the winner of this race many years ago."
STEWARDS REPORT
J. Morrison, trainer of Benzine (GB), reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his charge lost a front shoe in running and was lame post race.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
