Willaston (nearest) just leads The Holmeister (yellow) over the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Holmeister followed-up on his win at Ballinrobe on Tuesday, as he justified favouritism in the John Thomas McNamara Series (Q.R) Handicap Hurdle.
Carrying a seven pound winners penalty, despite only being given a five pound rise by the handicapper, the eight-year-old gelding was sent off the 5/1 market leader for trainer Michael Hourigan junior.
Settled behind the leaders on the outer by Michael O'Sullivan, the bay victor travelled strongly in third on the approach to the second last.
Ridden to challenge on the run-in, he edged to the front inside the final 100 yards, going on to score by three-parts-of-a-length.
Top-weight Willaston (8/1) had to settle for second under Rob James for Louise Lyons, while Roped In (7/1) and Good Man Turk (8/1) were third and fourth respectively.
Winning owner James Cregan said in the aftermath: "He is what he is, is a low grade handicapper and I'm hoping the handicapper won't hit him too hard. He is rated 83 over fences and could go back there again.
"I'm happy for young Mike Hourigan as he has trained for me from the word go and all credit to him."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed Mr R. James, rider of Willaston, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned apologised for his use of the whip. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. R. James was in breach of R10.3(g) and having considered his record they suspended him for 4 racedays.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
