Mark Walsh© Photo Healy Racing
Winner Takes Itall (10/11 fav) built on a promising hurdles debut at Galway when taking the opening John Lynch Memorial Maiden Hurdle on the final afternoon of the Listowel Harvest Festival.
Third to Lethal Steps at Ballybrit in late July, Joseph O'Brien's Nathaniel gelding led travelling well two out for Mark Walsh and overcame an untidy jump at the last to beat the staying-on Ciao (6/1) and Bronagh’s Belle (2/1) by a cosy length and a half and two lengths.
The winner had shown promise when in the frame in two Curragh maidens last year, and looks a nice novice hurdling prospect for the autumn.
Frank Berry, "They didn't go much of a gallop and Mark said it turned into a bit of a sprint. He'll learn a bit from the run, and come on a bit from it.
"We're just pleased to get it out of the way and see where he goes from here."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
