Aladdins Cave (left) leads them home (3rd Ted Dolly also pictured)© Photo Healy Racing
Aladdins Cave made a successful return to timber when justifying favouritism in the Sean “The Budgie” Burgess Memorial Handicap Hurdle at Galway.
Barry Geraghty produced the 9/2 market leader with a perfectly timed challenge on the run-in to land the two-mile contest.
Admiral Hawke had claimed front-runner Anshan Dreams at the second last but couldn't hold the late charge of the winner.
Colm Murphy's charge stayed on strongly in the closing stages to post a two-length success.
The winner was having his first run over timber since winning at Fairyhouse last November. That had been the start of a purple patch as he had subsequently added two Flat successes.
He had just been denied on his comeback on the level at Leopardstown in May before running with credit in better events at the Curragh and Down Royal.
“I'm absolutely delighted. He's been running well and off his hurdles mark we thought he had a right chance,” said Murphy.
“Galway being Galway you need everything to go right and Barry took the brave man's route down the inner. He just pulls up when he gets there a little bit soon.
“He's in again in a 1m4f handicap on Wednesday and we'll see how he pulls out. We've been a while waiting for this and it's nice when it works out.
“It's lovely jumping ground – perfect ground and it's a credit to them. The weather has been lucky in that regard.”
