Noble Talent jumps the last under Robbie Geoghegan © Photo Healy Racing
The well-supported Noble Talent comfortably accounted for his eight rivals in the Become A Member @Limerick Handicap Hurdle.
With some solid bumper form to his name, the TJ Nagle-trained seven-year-old failed to make an impact on recent starts and making his debut in handicap company this afternoon, he was sent to post a 5/1 chance (10s early).
In mid-division early on under Robbie Geoghegan, the Getaway bay took closer order with a circuit to race and improved to lead five flights from the finish.
Pressed on the approach to two out, the Ailish Glynn-owned victor went on again before the last and came home 12-lengths to the good.
Returned a 16/5 chance, Kiln Time filled the runner-up spot under Charlie O'Dwyer for Harry Kelly, while Larkfield Lusive who was returned the well-backed 9/4 favourite (10s early), was another three-and-a-half lengths away in third.
"He showed some promise in his bumpers and I thought if he handled the ground today he might win," Nagle revealed.
"He got a mark of 102 which was plenty for what he'd done and hopefully he can build on this.
"I think there is a race for him pretty soon in Clonmel and when he handled the ground today he should handle it there."
STEWARDS REPORTS
G.B. Noonan, rider of Ma Hoey trained by Eoin Christopher McCarthy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount failed to act on the ground.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from T.J. Nagle Jr. trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Noble Talent, placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Thurles on December 17th, when finishing 10th of 14 finishers and was beaten by more than 60 lengths. The trainer reported that his charge ran too keen the last day over two miles in what he felt was a good quality race. He further added that a combination of a step up in trip and a steady pace on this occasion had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanation offered.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
