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John O'Riordan

John O'Riordan

Ocana makes the breakthrough in Limerick finale

Fri 29th Dec 2023, 16:21

Another Ocana and Eoin Walsh win the Quinnbet Handicap Hurdle Another Ocana and Eoin Walsh win the Quinnbet Handicap Hurdle
© Photo Healy Racing

Dual point-to-point winner Another Ocana struck for the first time under rules when readily landing the concluding Quinnbet Handicap Hurdle at Limerick.

Trained by Louie Archdeacon in Banteer, the six-year-old had failed to win on nine previous attempts under rules but had run his best races at this track.

Held up in rear for much of this race, Eoin Walsh produced the son of Court Cave down the inner on the run into the straight, heading leader Natural Breeze before two out.

Keeping on well from the back of that flight, he could even afford a slight mistake at the final obstacle before going on to record a four-and-a-quarter length win.

Eoin Walsh said: "He seems to save his best for Limerick as he had some good runs here before.

“He handles that ground and it’s great to get the job done today. He hit the line strong.

“It was a good even gallop and I took my time. As I said he handles that ground well and has done it well.”

Additional reporting by Alan Magee.

1st
9/1
Tote €10.20 €2.70
2nd
4.25L
22/1
€6.20
3rd
0.75L
14/1
€3.70
4th
4.5L
16/1
bf
0.5L
9/4Fav
About John O'Riordan
John has worked for the Press Association since 2022. He also writes a weekly column for The Irish Field and is a regular contributor to the Irish Racing Yearbook. He has previously written for the Racing Post, Irish Examiner and Irish Daily Mirror. He has been involved in racing for over three decades; having experience as a syndicate member, sole owner and breeder.