Ibsen, middle, keeps on best in Limerick© Photo Healy Racing
It would have taken a brave man to pick the winner of the novice hurdle in Limerick with three furlongs to go as all six runners were separated by a couple of lengths, however, it was Gordon Elliott's Ibsen who made the best way home.
Sweeping round the home bend in this two mile five contest and it was The Gatechecker who led on the inside with Ibsen second in the middle. Kala Brandy unleashed her challenge on the outside as she moved into third.
Ibsen jumped the penultimate hurdle level with The Gatechecker while Kala Brandy was a bit more deliberate at it in third.
It was all to play for over the last as The Gatechecker and Ibsen were locked together. Kala Brandy had a good length to make up if she was to prevail.
Jack Kennedy on board 6/4 favourite Ibsen switched his whip through to his right hand as the pair grabbed a narrow lead on the run-in. This was maintained and they hit the line half a length to the good.
"He hit the front just before the last and just after the last he pricked his ears so I knew I had plenty in hand," Jack Kennedy said.
"I was afraid of him stopping in front but he kept galloping to the line."
The Gatechecker (9/2) had to settle for second with Kala Brandy a length further back in third.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
