Jabbar (nearest) gets up close home to deny Longclaw© Photo Healy Racing
Jabbar mugged the front running Longclaw in the Oran Handicap, with the Darren Bunyan-trained victor coming from last to first under Dean Curran.
Successful on his third start for Bunyan at Killarney in July, the Galileo Gold four-year-old was sent off an 8/1 chance in his bid to follow-up.
Pushed along from early in the straight, the bay victor soon made progress on the outer. Ridden a furlong-and-a-half from home, he continued his surge forward, getting up in the final 50 yards to deny Longclaw by a neck.
Bidding to complete a double for Pat Murphy, the runner-up was returned a 17/2 chance (from 12s) under Gavin Ryan, with Kadeen (4/1) another four-lengths away in third.
Returned the 10/3 favourite, Luke Short never looked like threatening and finished a disappointing ninth.
"I didn't want to put my lad on his head and bully him into a position where he wasn't comfy so I was happy to sit where I was," Curran reflected.
"He's genuine and I knew he'd stay.
"He has a turn of foot as well as staying. He's very ground versatile.
"The horses are in top nick and credit goes to the lads in the yard along with Darren and Ger (O'Leary of Lance Bloodstock Limited)."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Luke Short (GB), trained by Noel Meade, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
G.M. Ryan, rider of Longclaw (USA), trained by P.J.F. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right for the final three furlongs.
C.T. Keane, rider of Luke Short (GB), trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout and got worse under pressure.
H.J. Horgan, rider of Indigo Five trained by John James Feane, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount hung right throughout.
C. Stone-Walsh, rider of Sorrento Point (GB), trained by Joseph Patrick O'Brien, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was tight for room shortly after leaving the stalls. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the footage of the start and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
