Punters only wanted to know about one horse in the last race of the evening at Killarney, the Race Club at the Malton Handicap Hurdle, with Jewel In The Sun sent off the 11/8 favourite (from morning price of 11/4) for trainer Charlie Swan and jockey David Casey.
However he ran no sort of race and was pulled up early on, as the second favourite Fair Dilemma at 8/1 for Val O'Brien and Barry Geraghty (who was recording a quick double after winning on Eagle's Pass , stayed on best to score by a length and three parts at the line.
Running in the colours of Mr Patrick Furey from Oranmore, Co Galway, the 6yo, was having his ninth career start here, with his best run coming on his penultimate start at Tipperary, where he was beaten by just a head by Take A Shot, who has gone on to win again.
The son of Dr Massini was always prominent and led approaching the straight. He was pressed two out, but stayed on well under pressure on the run-in, to see off the challenge of Where's My Slave (14/1), with Colberay (12/1) for Cormac Farrell a further two and a half lengths back in third. Ahead Ahead completed the placings a further three lengths back in fourth at 16/1 for the father and son team of Tom & Bryan Cooper.
Recording his first winner since September of last year, winning trainer Val O'Brien said afterwards: "His last run at Listowel was just four days after his good effort at Tipperary and it probably came a bit too soon for him. The ground was probably too soft for him that day as well.
"He will go to Galway or Roscommon next for another Handicap Hurdle."
Donal Murphy
