Once And Always rewards his backers Gigginstown House Stud was on the mark again as Once And Always stretched away to readily win the two mile five handicap hurdle in Limerick. Pumbaa and Jane Mangan led from flagfall, but were joined by Once And Always and Jody McGarvey on the run to the second last. The latter then saw off the former after jumping that hurdle and put the race away upon popping the last. The winning margin for the 11/2 shot was clocked at five lengths. Pumbaa, the 5/2 favourite, had tried to battle back when joined by Once And Always, however, he lost second place to Some Officer who came through for minor honours at 13/2. Successful trainer Charles Byrnes said: “He ran ok in Fairyhouse the last day. Bryan Cooper liked him. He was on a nice mark today. Claiming five pounds was the big thing. We’ll tip away in handicaps for the rest of the season.” The money came for Once And Always today as he was supported on course from 15/2 to 11/2. He was getting off the mark in his fifth hurdle race (three maiden hurdles and two handicaps). In March last year he dead-heated in a Tyrella point-to-point when trained by Gordon Elliott. Jody McGarvey was given a one-day ban by the stewards for weighing in 1.9lbs overweight on the winner. Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
