Geraghty guides Eightybarackstreet home

Eightybarackstreet, middle, comes to tackle Lough Donnell Mist at the last
(Healy Racing Photos)

Lough Donnell Mist looked set to give trainer Malachy Hassett and jockey Danny Howard another big priced success on the day when kicking for home turning into the home straight.

Barry Geraghty on Eightybarackstreet collared Lough Donnell Mist though after the last and kept going to win well at 16/1. The runner-up was returned at 25/1 with Chill and Bryan Cooper 8/1 to 6/1 in the morning) occupying third spot. Mullaghwillin Boy was fourth at 14/1.

The winner was returning from a break of 147 days since running unplaced in the Grade 3 Greatwood at Cheltenham last time.

Jockey Barry Geraghty said: “He did it well and needed the run. He jumped brilliantly and has got a lot of scope.”

Tralee-based trainer Tom Cooper has further plans for his horse. He said: “He’s good and fresh and fit. He can be quirky so the cheekpieces are on him. He’ll head to Punchestown then go novice chasing.

“Barry said he took a blow turning in which gave him his second wind and that he is crying out for a fence. That’s his ground and we’ll keep him going during the summer as he likes quick ground.”

Top weight Competitive Edge was sent off 9/4 market leader for the triumvirate of JP McManus, Conor O’Dwyer and Tony McCoy but he finished tenth of the 17 runners.

Michael Graham