Tennesse Waltz fends off his pursuers© Photo Healy Racing
Tennesse Waltz brought up plenty of bets when gamely holding on to win the claimer in Naas.
The seven-year-old was backed in the ring from 13/2 to 9/2 favourite for this contest over a mile.
He got on terms for Billy Lee at the two pole and was soon pushed along to lead.
He was ridden and challenged by Reckless Lad approaching the final furlong but stuck to his guns as the closers flashed home.
The 'jolly' prevailed by a head from Santorini Sun (10/1) with Natty Dresser a short head further back in third also at 10/1. Percy B Shelley kept on well to be a nose out of the places with Reckless Lad a head behind him.
Trainer David Marnane said: "We got him out of a claimer a couple of years ago and he's been very consistent.
“He's a grand, old horse and it's good to have the claimers for the likes of these horses.
“That's his level and probably when he steps back into handicap company he finds it a bit tougher.”
This was Tennesse Waltz's fifth career victory on his 40th start. His last victory came at Limerick in October 2017.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
