Off You Go and Donal McInerney clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Donal McInerney made the journey from Leopardstown to Limerick worthwhile, as he guided Off You Go to a convincing success in the Shavings.ie Handicap Hurdle.
The Charles Byrnes trained four-year-old ran well to finish third on his handicap debut at Thurles last month, and the bookies were taking no chances with him today as he went off the clear 10/11 favourite.
Settled towards rear, he took closer order to go third before six out. He eased to the front after the next, and stretched clear on the run-in, going on to score by thirteen lengths. West Coast Time (9/2 to 7/2) finished second under Ryan Treacy for Joseph O'Brien, while Trump Sixteen was a head back in third at 12/1.
Byrnes, who trains the gelding for JP McManus, said afterwards: "He handled the ground great and a good claimer on board all helps. It looked a fairly weak race but you still have to go and win. He's done it well and I'm very happy with him.
"He's only a four-year-old so he won't be too busy this season. He looks like he could stay further but there is no need to go any further for the moment."
STEWARDS REPORTS
D.E. Splaine, rider of Mick The Jiver (GB), trained by Eoghan O'Grady, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount jumped poorly.
R.T. Dunne, rider of Trump Sixteen, trained by S.J.Mahon, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a respiratory noise in-running.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
