Mine Now and Richie Deegan (far side) clear the last with Rue Hill© Photo Healy Racing
Mine Now ran out the victor after a dramatic conclusion to the two-and-a-half mile handicap hurdle at Gowran Park.
4/1 favourite Notwhatiam was leading turning for home only to slip up and Toubaloo also suffered the same fate when just in behind the leaders on the bend. Rue Hill was left in the lead but was joined by Mine Now, and Richie Deegan, going to the last. Peter Fahey's charge asserted on the run-in to record a length-and-three-quarters success at 7/1.
The winner had just failed to peg back Duke Cass when last seen at Punchestown on New Year's Eve.
“Last year he was just not right although we couldn't find out what was wrong with him. We gave him a break and he's come back better,” said Fahey.
"I'm delighted for Richie who is well worth his 7lb claim. He won a point-to-point on him and is very strong.
"He's not big enough to jump a fence so is a bit limited, and will struggle to win off a higher mark."
J J Slevin, rider of Notwhatiam, was taken to hospital with suspected fractured ribs.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
