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Jacky makes plenty Happy after easy win

Happy Jacky clears the last under Donie McInerneyHappy Jacky clears the last under Donie McInerney
© Photo Healy Racing

After being narrowly denied in the previous contest, Ray Hackett and Donie McInerney got their turn in the David Heneghan Memorial Handicap Hurdle, as Happy Jacky ran out a convincing winner.

A good third behind Shantelle at Killarney on Friday, the five-year-old son of Milan was expected to go close this evening and was sent off the 5/2 favourite (7s in early shows).

Settled behind the leaders, he took closer order from three out and eased to the front after the next, keeping on well on the run-in, going on to score by nine lengths. Youngnedofthehill (11/2) ran well to finish second under Robbie Power for Shane Nolan, while recent course winner Sizing Malbay (8/1) was another length and a half back in third.

"We were a bit worried about the ground to be honest," said Hackett.

"I thought it might be gone for him but he's a hardy little lad. He got through it alright - he wouldn't be in love with it but he's just tough.

"He got boxed in on Friday evening and just got no run. He finished out his race real well.

"After seeing that we said we'd go again as he bounced out of it so well.

"I'm delighted for the lads (the owners) - they'll enjoy it!

"We might look at Listowel but it's just grand to get him over the line."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Derby De Thaix (FR), trained by G.T.Lynch, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be blowing hard post race.

T. Ryan, rider of Chief Of Panama trained by Liam P Cusack, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount gurgled from the second last.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy

About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.