Dollar Value heads for home under Darragh O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
Dollar Value reversed Punchestown Festival form from just over a fortnight back to land the Follow Kilbeggan On Instagram Handicap Hurdle for Tom McCourt and Darragh O’Keeffe.
Punchestown second and favourite here, Flindt (3/1), could manage only fourth this time, as sixth in County Kildare Dollar Value came forward nicely to get the job done.
In truth the US-bred grey had run a cracker last time, on his first outing since November, when he’d refused to race at Navan.
Union Park had every chance when making a mistake and unseating Sean O’Keeffe at the last and the well-backed General Moriviere (5/1 into 7/2) was the one to chase home Dollar Value (7/1). He was never nearer than at the finish, two and a half lengths off.
“I thought he ran a blinder in Punchestown. He probably just needed it after being off for so long and we thought he’d take beating today,” said McCourt.
“He travelled really well and is a horse with a lot of ability. Darragh thinks there is a proper handicap in him either over fences or over hurdles.
“I’d like to target a nice pot somewhere along the line for him. He’s a great travelling horse and jumps for fun.
“He loves a bit of an ease. He wouldn’t want it too quick.”
At the request of the Stewards, B. Browne, rider of Getaway Katie trained by Shane Ryder, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount travelled well early but got very tired.
D.F. O'Regan, rider of Ghost Serge trained by Ray Hackett, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount refused to race.
K.J. Brouder, rider of Trixie Mc trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
The Stewards advised Ray Hackett, trainer of Ghost Serge, that a repeat performance from his charge, who refused to race, may render the animal liable to suspension in the future.
(AM & EM)
