Slip Of The Tongue (left) survives this last-flight mistake © Photo Healy Racing
Mark Walsh completed his second treble of the weekend when 5/2 joint-favourite Slip Of The Tongue won the Listed I.N.H. Stallion Owners EBF Novice Hurdle.
The Flemensfirth gelding, a debut winner of a maiden hurdle at Tippereary last May and third in a Grade 2 at Limerick’s Christmas meeting, was pushed along in pursuit of Deploy The Getaway on the home turn. He came through on the inner to lead before the last and survived a blunder at that flight to defeat that rival by three quarters of a length.
The winner went to his left when hitting the last and bumped the runner-up on landing but there was little surprise when the stewards left the placings unchanged after an enquiry.
Walsh had earlier won the first two races aboard Midnight Maestro and Ciel De Neige
Winning trainer Padraig Roche said: "That was great, he's a lovely horse and it'll keep the father happy as he's a home-bred.
“He's a horse that we've liked all the time and he's learning all the time.
“At Limerick the last day we didn't learn much, I'd say he stays well and loves that bit of soft ground. Knowing the family they get better with time and hopefully he will. He's a fine big horse.
“I haven't discussed plans yet but but I'd say we'll keep him at home.”
(GC & MN)
