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Rain on top in driving finish

Rain In Spain and Ricky Doyle in frontRain In Spain and Ricky Doyle in front
© Photo Healy Racing

There were plenty in with chances jumping the second last in the Giantsgrave Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel and it was Rain In Spain who prevailed in a driving finish to the two-miler.

The Willie Mullins-trained Eight And Bob was all the rage after getting into the race as first reverse but the even-money favourite got shuffled back after a slight mistake three out and made little impression in the straight, finishing 12th.

Rain In Spain was produced to challenge two from home, by Ricky Doyle, and burst into the lead before the final flight.

The Charles O'Brien-trained filly had to hold the late charge of Dontdooddson in the closing stages to record a head length success.

The 14/1 winner was following up on her maiden hurdle success at Sligo last month.

There was drama heading into the home-bend with Whoyakodding slipping up and bringing down Carrigaloe and Island Villa Fortunately all horses and riders were okay after their tumbles.

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.