First Touch and Donie McInerny (far side) with the loose Loudest Whisper in the foreground © Photo Healy Racing
Trained near Thurles by Donal Commins, First Touch sprang a 16/1 surprise in the Roscommon On-Course Vets Handicap Hurdle.
The Mahler gelding raced close to the pace which was set by Something Sweet before being allowed to stride on in front before halfway.
The 9-year-old, a winner at Clonmel in March and fourth over fences at Sligo on his previous start, found plenty for pressure up the home straight to see off all challengers with Room To Roam (25/1) staying on well late in the day to finish second, beaten a length and a half.
The consistent 9/2 joint favourite Dedanann and Fill The Tank (18/1) completed the placings
Winning rider Donie McInerney said: “I was happy enough at the start with Darragh O'Keeffe's horse in front but my lad was a bit keen so I said instead of fighting him all the way I'd let him go to the front and he pricked his old ears and filled himself.
“He jumped well and was only really getting going going to the second last. He flattened out then and stayed going okay. I was happy enough the line came when it did.
“I'm delighted with that, I fancied him today and the lads had a few quid on him.”
5/1 chance Auckland was a late withdrawal (15c rule 4 deduction to all bets) after connections omitted to bring the declared set of visors and a replacement pair could not be located in time.
Quotes from Gary Carson
