Pythion and Donie McInerney jump the last © Photo Healy Racing
A perilous course-walk paid dividends for exacting trainer Michael Winters at Listowel today, winning the John B. Keane Maiden Hurdle with the ex-Ger Lyons trained one-time flat-racer Pythion (11/8 favourite).
Pythion, third to Broome in Leopardstown's 2019 Ballysax Stakes, returned from a 598 days absence this year and today, under jockey Donie McInerney, justified 11/8 favouritism on his third jumps start.
Winters later told of his escapades with a recent course-walk which involved him crossing Listowel's River Feale to gain access to the track.
He revealed “we were coming from Beale Beach with the horse (Pythion) and were passing through the town so I borrowed one of the lads' riding boots. He went across bare-foot but it was slippery and I fell four times!
“I was stuck half-ways but it was easier go over than turn back and I had a pocket full of money which was floating wet. Val O'Connell (clerk of the course) told me he found two fifties but I don't know if he was telling me the truth or not!”
In flying-form, Winters added “the ground was in beautiful order but was drying and they watered it well last night. This horse has had leg trouble and we take him to Beale for the salt water.”
“I was getting cold feet watching the race as they seemed to be jumping so fast but he measures his jumps and is a very kind horse.
“In fairness to Listowel they do everything well with facilities and staffing and they are fantastic.”
Part-owners Paddy Scannell and his wife Bridget Scannell were present for the winner who races in the colours of David Sprat and the pair mentioned “David (Spratt) has a lot of horses with Ger Lyons and he wanted this to go over hurdles and sent him to Mick.”
