The grey Mackey Boy races away from the last as Khayar (No 5) pecks on landing© Photo Healy Racing
Mackey Boy put two disappointing efforts behind him, as he battled gamely under Tom Doyle to land the Cashen Handicap Hurdle for his trainer Patrick Neville.
The 6yo grey son of Cloudings won his maiden hurdle at Limerick in March but then put in two disappointing efforts when pulling up at Limerick in May and Sligo last month.
Sent off at 10/1 today he raced prominently throughout and came with his challenge at the second last.
He hit the front before the last and kept on well when strongly pressed by Marshim to win by half a length at the line.
The 10yo Marshim ran a cracker under Philip Enright but he had to settle for second at 12/1 while Silent Reaper finished a further length and three parts back in third at 5/1 (backed from as big as 10/1 on-course).
The Philip Rothwell trained Mark Me Up was sent off the 7/2 favourite under Andrew Ring but he could only manage fifth.
Winning rider Tom Doyle, who was recording his first winner since June 25th, said afterwards: "He stuck at it very well and he handled the ground well. He travelled well and jumped great.
"The ground is very heavy and it is getting tougher as the days go on. A bit of rain actually might keep it together at this stage."
Winning trainer Pat Neville added: "He won at Limerick and then we ran him again there but he wasn’t right.
"He wasn’t right at Sligo either but he came good over the last couple of weeks and he was in good form.
"He handled the ground well and he was fit and well. He is a good jumper and he will jump a fence in time. Tom gave him a great ride."
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
