The first National Hunt race on the card this afternoon, the John O'Connell Memorial Novice Hurdle, was considered a match by punters, with Greenbelt Star the 11/8 favourite and House Rules at 6/4, the only two punters wanted to know about.
However, things didn't go according to plan, as Raggletagglegypsy landed the spoils at 8/1 for trainer Eoin Doyle with Shay Barry aboard.
The 5yo gelding, who started off his career with Philip Fenton, was having his sixth start over hurdles here, having won his maiden hurdle last time out at Kilbeggan by an easy nine lengths.
The son of Almutawakel, tracked leaders early on before getting on terms three out when coming with his challenge. He soon led from there and despite missing two out, he stayed on well from the last to score by two lengths from House Rules back in second. Aliceaneileen was a further four and a half lengths back in third at 11/2, while Greenbelt Star was a disappointing fourth a further eight lengths behind.
Winning trainer Eoin Doyle was absent for the win, but winning jockey Shay Barry said afterwards: "He is improving the whole time and if he had to jump the last three better he would have won easier.
"If he can get his jumping ironed out he will be a nice type."
Donal Murphy
