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Mic Drop delights O'Brien in Limerick

Mic Drop, far side, puts in a great leap at the last to beat BenzineMic Drop, far side, puts in a great leap at the last to beat Benzine
© Healy Racing Photos

Mic Drop rallied to winning effect in the opening Calor Gas Handicap Steeplechase over an extended 2m1f in Limerick.

The seven-year-old gelding dictated throughout for Sean Flanagan, but looked vulnerable to a staying-on handicap-debutant Benzine who closed on him in the straight and led narrowly two out.

The new leader presumably expected to kick on for glory, however, Mic Drop was far from done with between the final couple of fences and rallied to just take over in jumping the last. An excellent jump there sealed the deal for him as he got away from the fence well and put two and a-half lengths on Benzine (22/1). L'amiral Fromentin (17/2) was another three and a-half lengths away in third.

This was a first victory over fences for Mic Drop to go with a point-to-point and a bumper.

David O'Brien said: "My horses were wrong all winter and even into the spring but, last week, two ran well after coming back. The yard was out of form but, even with the vets, we couldn't get to the bottom of it. It was just one of those things and touch wood, we are through it now.

"I have eight or 10 to race for the summer and the nicer ground helped this horse. He can be a little keen, so Sean jumped him out and led, which helped him to relax."

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes

About Michael Graham
Michael has worked in horse racing journalism for more than 15 years, having also written a weekly betting column on Gaelic football and hurling for a newspaper. He is involved in writing the My Racing Story features on this website. He spent a year in South Africa completing a Diploma in Business Administration and also studied Newspaper Journalism in Belfast. He enjoys playing 5-a-side football on a regular basis.