Denis Hogan picked right at Wexford today as his Mezaly landed the Slaney Handicap Hurdle under the trainer/jockey, who later admitted to having a difficult choice before siding with the winner, over an unplaced stablemate.

Hogan, who gained Grade 2 success for the first time last season, was on board 10/1 winner Mezaly, who eventually beat Mr Picotee by a length and three parts.

Hogan's 11/1 chance Nulife also ran in the race and ultimately disappointed in 12th, but Hogan subsequently admitted "yesterday morning I wasn't sure I had picked the right one (to ride), because the other horse (Nulife) has ability, but it's hard to get it out of him. He (Nulife) won here before and we had to come here as he needs to go left-handed.”

He added “the winner loves this ground, he rattles off it and hasn't had it since Bellewstown last summer. It's great for connections (JRM Racing Syndicate), and they have another runner in the next."

Quotes from Donal Murphy