Nibblers Charm (Brian Hayes, far-side) just leads from Peregrine Run (Kevin Sexton)© Photo Healy Racing
The Thank You To All The Frontline Workers Hurdle at Cork saw an impressive victor in the shape of the Ray Hackett-trained and Brian Hayes-ridden 9/1 shot Nibblers Charm
After chasing the leader, Nibblers Charm led after the first. Pressed three out and joined before two out, the Hackett runner was soon narrowly headed and ridden.
Regaining the top spot at the last the successful Court Cave gelding kept on strongly on the run-in to beat odds-on favourite Peregrine Run by three and a half lengths.
“He had a tough winter when he got a bad dose of laminitis and has suffered for a long time. He needed round-the-clock minding and Louise Williams really saved him and had a special boot for him which took the pressure off. We had to be patient and we were lucky we caught it early,” revealed Hackett.
"It has taken us a while to get him fit and his run on the flat really brought him on.
"I told Brian he'd see it out, as he is lazy and you have to work. He is never going to be flashy but he'll try for you.
"He will go to Galway for the 2m6f handicap on the Friday - I don't know would he have the speed early-doors for the Galway Hurdle. I'd like to think going forward he could be a horse for Leopardstown at Christmas and the Dublin Racing Festival."
He added "we're hovering around 10-12 horses, they're all running solid and one like him makes it easier."
(TW & EM)
