John Joe Walsh with Brian O'Connell (left) & Philip Enright (rider of runner-up Positive Approach)© Photo Healy Racing
Sonny B the outsider of the six-runner field for the Littleton Handicap Hurdle, stuck on gamely to land the spoils in the three-miler at Thurles. Railway Tommy led from before the fourth flight and appeared to be travelling best turning for home.
Sonny B proved game, under Brian O'Connell, and stayed on to lead approaching the final flight.
Railway Tommy produced the better leap at the last but John Joe Walsh's charge got back on top on the run-in to record a two-and-a-quarter length success.
The winner's stable-mate Positive Approach was sent off the 9/4 favourite and kept on to get up for second close home.
Sonny B was returning to the smaller obstacles having been disappointing over fences on his last two outings.
"He had good enough form and had a good mark over hurdles. He seemed to have come back to form and could go back over fences again,” said Walsh.
Regarding runner-up Positive Approach, he added "the race wasn't run to suit and they didn't go quick enough for him. He got outpaced but came home well."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
