The opening race of the two day Listowel June Festival, the www.listowelraces.ie Median Auction Maiden, went to the Paul Flynn trained, Padraig Beggy ridden Liberty's Gift at 11/1.
The gelded son of Statue of Liberty had only one run to his name before today finishing a staying on second behind Golden Shoe at Dundalk back in late April over seven furlongs. The increase in trip here by a furlong did the trick.
Never too far off the pace the winner, delivered his challenged over a furlong out passing the front running President Lincoln before holding off the strong challenge of McMonagle (25/1) by just a head at the finish with the best of the fancied horses Kate Greenaway (11/2) a further two and half lengths back in third.
An animated Paul Flynn watched the race from the press room and he said afterwards "He improved from his first run, like all of mine do. I think he will stay further and he is for sale.
"The owners are from Streamstown, Co Westmeath, I've had a few for them in the past. They had a runner yesterday and he finished twenty lengths last, so they are happier owners today!"
The 2/1fav Jouster for Andy Oliver and Pat Smullen was luckless in running and finish tenth at the line.
