Wishmoor and Ricky Doyle© Photo Healy Racing
His jumping was a mixed bag but Wishmoor (11/4 joint favourite) got it done from the front in the Goggin Buckley Veterans Handicap Chase at Limerick.
Last year’s winner Cappacurry Zak had to settle for fourth on this occasion as the gambled-on Lean Araig (17/2 into 4/1) was the one to give the Johnny Levins-trained and Ricky Doyle-ridden victor most to do.
Lean Araig ran well but could get no closer than two and a quarter lengths whilst Wishmoor’s fellow market-leader Kavanaghs Corner ended up seven lengths behind in third.
He did himself no favours with a bad mistake five from home.
"I thoroughly enjoy training this fellow; Gaelic Bloodstock bought him for a couple of their friends and we bought two horses to go jumping," said Levins.
"I was keen to get a few jumpers and the plan is to get a few more so we can be busy during the winter as well. I have jumping roots and we have a couple more jumpers in the yard at the moment.
"To be honest I didn't watch one jump, I was looking at the ground - I get very nervous with the flat never mind the jumps! The ground is very soft and he is old and clever, he only does the bare minimum over the jumps and doesn't tire himself out.
"I'm delighted."
Owing to the low lying sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence number three (the third last) to be omitted from races two and three.
J.M. Moore, rider of Jurby (GB) trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
(TW & EM)
