Duke Of Leggagh delivers, despite late blunders Duke Of Leggagh (11/1) survived two two late jumping errors to land Naas’ Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Hurdle today, proving a battling winner for trainer Mick Mulvany and jockey Paddy O’Brien. By Mulvany’s Phoenix Stakes-placed stallion Tough As Nails, Duke Of Leggagh had previously scored twice on the Flat and at today’s course in March 2023, finished second to handicap ‘blot’ and subsequent world-beater Paddington in the Madrid Handicap. Today Duke Of Leggagh improved to lead when blundering at the second-last and again erred at the final flight, but displayed fortitude in holding off Fairyland Opera by a neck. Mulvany reported “he ran well the last day (at Fairyhouse) and, on his Flat form, was entitled to be there or thereabouts in a race like that. He battered the last two hurdles but stuck at it well. “He’s a hardy little horse and guts won it for him in the finish. He can mix it between hurdles and the Flat and wants the ground like that (soft).” Quotes from Alan Magee
