Tory Reel (near side) challenges Away To Milan at the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Hunting Lodge Syndicate were out in force to greet Tory Reel after the 16/1 chance got up in the closing stages to land the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle at Killarney.
The Highland Reel gelding won a juvenile maiden hurdle for Andrew McNamara last summer and was reverting to hurdles after a couple of runs on the Flat for Eoin McCarthy this year.
Gary Noonan ’s mount dug deep on the run-in to overhaul the front-running Away To Milan in the closing stages for a three-quarter length victory with Penny Jar a length and a half back in third.
McCarthy said, “They went plenty quick up front and I told Gary to take his time as there were three confirmed front-runners.
“It was his first run in a handicap (hurdle) and he jumped a little sketchy at times. I wanted him to be given a chance to find his feet and he showed how tough and gutsy he is in the last half-furlong.
“He’s only four and will be a lovely horse in time. Maybe we’ll look at Galway but Listowel would be the main thing on my mind.
“A lot of the Syndicate are from Limerick and there is a good crowd of them here this evening. They are real racing enthusiasts and love going racing.”
McCarthy is still limping after a riding accident as he explained: “I got a kick riding out that put the shin bone out through the skin and it wouldn’t heel for a good while. Thankfully I got riding out again about two weeks ago.”
