Tom Brett, left, rode his first winner for John Ryan, right, on Mic Milano© Photo Healy Racing
Mic Milano bounced back to form to give jockey Tom Brett his first success in the Dermot Weld Britain v Ireland (Q.R.) Challenge Handicap Hurdle at Limerick.
The 16/1 chance held a good position in fourth on the outer coming to the fifth last. He jumped nimbly and improved to tackle the leader You Can't Catch Me at the second last.
A good jump there gave him a definite advantage and at the last he had a couple of lengths in hand of the staying on Vintage Supreme (5/2f). The latter tried to reel him in on the run-in but couldn't get on terms and gave best by two and a half lengths.
You Can't Catch Me kept on at the same pace for third at 6/1.
Handler John Ryan said: "He lost his way completely and had a bad cut in his hind leg which took a lot to get right.
"We almost gave up on him but he was a lovely horse in his earlier days and isn't the same horse as when winning his maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe a few years ago.
"That was a very poor race today so hopefully the handicapper won't be too hard on him."
Regarding Tom Brett, 19 from Templemore, riding his first winner Ryan added: "He's a good kid and lots will be written about him in time. He gave the horse a peach of a ride and he's not a bad hurler either! He hurls on the J K Brackens senior team and was also close to getting on the Tipperary minor squad."
Mic Milano's last piece of meaningful form came when winning a Ballinrobe maiden hurdle in July 2012.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
