Orgilgo Bay and Kevin Sexton © Photo Healy Racing
Orgilgo Bay galloped his rivals into the ground to run out an impressive winner of the Listowel Races Supporters Club Lartigue Hurdle.
Kevin Sexton made all on the John McConnell-trained gelding and he has his rivals in trouble turning for home in the two-mile feature event. Annagh Haven getting two-and-a-half stone (including 7lb claim) from the top-weight, tried hard to give chase in the straight but never looked like pegging back the 6/1 winner.
Sexton asked his mount for an effort before the final flight and he was soon in command.
The Derek Kierans-owned gelding was easing down at the line for a five-length victory.
The winner was a smart juvenile last season, finishing third in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham, and had finished second on his last two outings at Bellewstown and Galway following an easy success at Downpatrick.
“It's a good pot to win. He's a very good horse to win off top-weight and be able to gallop away and win like that,” said McConnell.
“He ran third in Cheltenham then won in Downpatrick and was just touched off in Galway after making a lot of the running.
“This has been the plan for a long-time, especially when he didn't get in to the Galway Hurdle.
“He jumps those hurdles better than the easyfix ones as he jumps long and low. Wherever he goes now it's going to be for a good race.”
Sexton added: “He's been very consistent and has been running well in big races.
“It's my first time riding him and it's good to pick up the ride. I feel sorry for Mark Bolger, who is out injured. It's all about luck and I was very lucky to pick up the ride.”
Bolger tweeted: - "Gutted is not the word to miss out today on orgilgo bay today @ListowelRaces but well done to @jcmccracing and@kevinsexton94 #properhorse"
Mckinley and Shutter Island were sent off the 9/2 joint-favourites but could only finish fourth and ninth respectively.
(Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
