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- Dolly wins dramatic contest
Gary Carson
Dolly wins dramatic contest
Ted Dolly and Barry Geraghty clear the last to win from Mahrajaan
© Photo Healy Racing
The Eddie Hales-trained Ted Dolly made a winning return to hurdling when claiming the two mile handicap over timber at Tipperary.
There were plenty in with chances turning for home but Barry Geraghty sent Ted Dolly to the front passing the second last.
The penultimate flight had been dolled off and there were unfortunate scenes entering the straight as the field had to try and avoid the stricken Let Yourself Go who had collapsed in the early stages of the race.
There was also a near miss for the flag man, who ran out in front of the oncoming runners to alert them to the horse lying on the ground.
4/1 favourite Mahrajaan chased home the winner but could only get within three-parts-of-a-length at the line.
12/1 shot Ted Dolly was reverting to the smaller obstacles having been fourth over fences at Killarney last month.
“We were looking for good ground and I fancied him today. He ran well over fences last time and Barry was excellent on him today,” said Hales.
“He's a good fun animal and a horse that I like.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)