Stormey (nearest) jumps the last just behind Rapid Fritz (centre) and Fiesole© Photo Healy Racing
Stormey had to survive a stewards enquiry before he was declared the winner of Quirke uPVC Windows (Clonmel) Handicap Hurdle.
The Stephen Mahon trained victor veered left and bumped the 9/2 favourite Fiesole on the run-in, with just a length and three parts between them at the line.
A good second at Ballinrobe on his last start, the winning son of September Storm was settled in mid-division by Denis O’Regan, and went fourth from three out.
He was ridden after two out, and hit the front after the last, keeping on well to score despite veering left.
The 9/2 favourite Fiesole travelled strongly before two out, but he wasn’t fluent at that flight, and didn’t find as much as the winner when coming off the bridle. Rapid Fritz ran well to finish third at 11/1 under Mark Flanagan for Ger Keane, while Touch Of Gold (33/1) was another five lengths back in fourth with David Splaine in the saddle for Michael Kennedy. Mistamel who was as short as 7/2 this afternoon, proved easy to back on-course, and finished a disappointing ninth at 8/1.
Stephen Mahon said afterwards: "I thought the second horse had every chance to put the race to bed, and our horse has won going away.
"Denis rides most of mine when I can get him. He’s probably the most natural rider after (Paul) Carberry.
"Hopefully he will get into the good (McHale Coranna) handicap hurdle at Ballinrobe (on May 30th)."
STEWARDS REPORTS
A.E. Lynch, rider of Magnetic Force trained by Robert Alan Hennessy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount lost it's action in the straight.
R.P. Treacy, rider of Rock On Barney trained by G.T.Lynch, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount struck into himself.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
