Pray Tell and James Smith pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Two medical emergencies resulted in a lengthy delay at Listowel, with the air ambulance required.
The Behans Horseshoe Bar, Restaurant & Townhouse Handicap Hurdle went off over an hour later than scheduled, with Pray Tell ultimately running out a decisive winner.
Owned and trained by Desmond Kenneally, the eight-year-old was placed three times before making the breakthrough at Kilbeggan earlier this month.
Sent off a 4/1 chance this afternoon, the son of Ask tracked the leaders on the outer under James Smith, improving into a close second from three out.
Easing to the front before the next, the 116-rated victor soon went clear and was kept up to his work on the run-in, coming home four and a half lengths to the good.
The Gavin Cromwell-trained Club Manager (12/1) filled the runner-up spot under Conor Stone-Walsh, while the well-backed Ballywilliam Boy (4/1 from 10s) was half-a-length away in third.
Returned the 7/2 favourite (from 12s early), Millstream Lady finished fourth.
"He was in great form coming and I knew he'd run a big race but I didn't know how he'd handle the ground," Kenneally revealed.
"James said he handled it and he was very good and slick. He is a good horse, it was James' first time sitting on him and he did exactly as I asked and gave him a brilliant ride.
"He is a real hurdler and while he has given a lot of problems down through the years, we are on top of them. I'm delighted and love Listowel."
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
