Lots Of Memories blunders at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Lots Of Memories looked to have blundered away victory at the last in the Ballygarry House Hotel Novice Hurdle at Listowel but dug deep on the run-in to get back up for the win.
The 5/2 favourite had launched his challenge at the second last and cruised into the lead before the final flight in the two-and-a-half mile contest.
He got it wrong at the final flight, however, and was down on his nose giving Silver Tassie a chance.
That rival briefly gained a narrow advantage on the run-in but Lots Of Memories regained his composure to get up in the closing stages for a neck victory under Shane Butler.
The winner had been runner-up to Flatfoot Boogie (third here) on his jumping debut at Galway on good ground and appreciated the softer underfoot conditions having shown some smart bumper form last season.
Winning trainer Paul Fahey admitted he had been given a scare at the final flight:- “Shane sat well! He said he travelled sweetly throughout the race but was getting there a bit easy on him.
“He ended up on a long stride at the last, it was probably a novicey mistake, but luckily he sat there and he was good enough to pick up and pass again.
“I've never hidden my admiration for this horse since day one. He has a lovely attitude and he is very relaxed.
“Hopefully this is one step up the ladder. I think he is a good horse and hopefully he climbs a few steps.
“He'll go to Limerick now for the Grade 3 2m5f novice hurdle.”
Butler added:- “I was quite lucky at the last. I was a bit long at it and I gave him a slap down the neck to come up but he put down. Luckily I had enough horse to battle back – he's a good one.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
