18+ | Commercial Content | T&Cs apply | Wagering and T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly | Advertising Disclosure

Jesse Evans outguns Hannon in Killarney

Jesse Evans, right, covers Hannon's finishJesse Evans, right, covers Hannon's finish
© Photo Healy Racing

Jesse Evans fought off a rallying Hannon to give Noel Meade Grade B glory in Killarney.

The five-year-old gelding made headway to close three out and a slick jump at the next saw him improve to lead.

He was challenged after the last by Hannon but responded gamely to win by half a length at 9/2. Hannon had to settle for second at 18/1.

Each-way players saw Mighty Tom come home seven lengths back in third at 10/1. Swelltime was five and a half lengths further adrift in fourth at 16/1 having been backed down from 50s in the morning.

Jockey Sean Flanagan said: "He is obviously a smart horse and his run at Punchestown was his first in a competitive handicap and it has sharpened him up.

"He might need a trip in time or exactly what we have had today, a really strong gallop and the Galway Hurdle could be a possibility."

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.