Temptationinmilan© Photo Healy Racing
The 9/2 joint favourite Temptationinmilan came through late on to win the 2m4f handicap chase under Kerry National-winning rider Jimmy Slevin who wore a black armband as his grandfather Jimmy Slevin recently passed away.
This was another race run at a very strong gallop and the winning six-year-old, in first-time cheekpieces, sat well off the pace. He began to pick off rivals on the approach to the straight and a better jump at the last carried him past Oscar Romero. He went on to account for that rival by two and half lengths. Zalika and Shantou Sisu filled the frame.
Winning trainer Charles Byrnes said: "It was a long time coming but to win here in Listowel is great.
"They went fierce fast and it turned into a three-mile race really and it suited him. Confidence in a rider is everything and he gave him a brilliant ride.
"He ran well in Killarney when JJ thought he'd have gone very close only for making a mistake. He was meeting the same horses again and we were hopeful but I won't say we were confident."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
