Ah Littleluck winning under Darragh O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
Ah Littleluck bounced back to form in the extended three mile one handicap chase at Wexford.
The 11-year-old gelding tussled with Wrong Direction with the pair clear of the remainder on the run to the second last.
Ah Littleluck jumped into the lead at that fence, but across Wrong Directions line, and asserted before the last as Wrong Direction got tired.
The leader was kept up to his work by Darragh O'Keeffe, who was securing a double on the card, to score by 19 lengths at 11/1.
Wrong Direction, the 10/3 favourite, had no more to give in second once headed. He was four lengths in front of third-placed Spancil Hill (12/1).
"I’m delighted to get that win with him, I have him a good while. That's our first winner of the new season," trainer Tom Gibney said.
"I’m delighted for his owner Kevin (Haigney) who is a good friend of mine. He is nearly a travelling head man at this stage as he does so much at home. It's good that he is here today.
“I haven’t looked beyond today. He is versatile and goes on any ground but we weren’t sorry to see the rain."
O'Keeffe's other success on the card was on board Stealthy Tom
Ah Littleluck's last victory came in a beginners' chase at Navan in January 2019.
The Stewards enquired into an incident jumping the second last fence involving Ah Littleluck, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, placed first and Wrong Direction, ridden by D.F. O'Regan, placed second, where it appeared Wrong Direction suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D.F. O'Regan stated that he suffered interference at the second last and felt the incident had not cost him a better finishing position. D.J. O'Keeffe, stated that he raced on the rail for much of the race as his mount has jumped left in the past. He added that he was forced to go wide down the hill having lost his position and his mount jumped left at the second last colliding with the runner up. He concluded by stating that he had made every effort to keep his mount straight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that D.J. O'Keeffe was in breach of Rule 214(careless riding) and having considered his record they suspended him for two racedays.
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Ah Littleluck trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped left over the last two fences.
The Stewards interviewed K.J. Brouder, rider of Super Citizen where it appeared that the animal was very tired on the approach to the second last fence before falling. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who stated that he was riding in fifth position on the approach to the second last and felt he had the momentum to continue, but his mount tired quickly at this point. Having viewed the recording K.J. Brouder accepted that he had misjudged the situation and apologised for his actions. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that K.J. Brouder was in breach of Rule 272 and having considered his record, they suspended him for one raceday.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
