Bob Lingo clears the last with King Ali in second© Photo Healy Racing
Galway Plate hero Bob Lingo followed up on his success at Ballybrit as he took the McSweeney Arms Hotel Handicap Hurdle for his trainer Tom Mullins.
The 10yo son of Bob's Return surprised many by taking the Galway Festival highlight at the odds of 16/1 but he was well fancied to oblige today and was sent off the 4/1 favourite under Mark Walsh.
Today he raced in second in the early stages behind the leader Deutschland and the pair went clear of the field.
Bob Lingo then took over at the head of affairs at the fifth flight and went clear after the eighth.
His lead was reduced at the third last and he was soon niggled along.
He maintained his lead however and was ridden for a stride or two before the last, keeping on well from there to score by three parts of a length at the line. King Ali ran a game race to finish second under Tony Kelly for his father Pat at 10/1 while 2011 Galway Plate winner Blazing Tempo was a further six lengths back in third under Declan Lavery for Willie Mullins at 8/1.
Winning trainer Tom Mullins said afterwards: "He went quite fast and I thought he ran a bit free. As a result he got a bit tired at the end.
"It was nice to use his rating over hurdles and get a win (rated 119 over hurdles).
"I'm not sure what the plan is now to be honest this was the plan.
"It’s possible I might give him a proper break now if he shows the signs of needing it. We've had him in a long time."
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
