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Bitter sweet victory for lame Long House

Long House Island (nearest) tackles PopboruLong House Island (nearest) tackles Popboru
© Photo Healy Racing

The Templemore Handicap Hurdle at Thurles produced a thrilling finish with Long House Island emerging on top after a battle royal on the run-in.

Trainer/rider Denis Hogan produced the 2/1 favourite to challenge on the outer at the second last and he gave chase to Popboru going to the final flight.

The pair were locked together on the run-in with Long House Island just having his head in front at the post for a short-head verdict.

The Turtle Island gelding has also gained a narrow victory at the course last week for Hogan and was defying a 6lb penalty for that win.

"It worked out but only just and I got carried wide at the second last. To be fair he battled but the down side is he pulled up lame,” said Hogan.

"It's bitter sweet but he has a history of leg trouble so unfortunately I'm not shocked.

"He had been on an upward curve and that would have left him bang on for Christmas.”

He added:- "My horses are all running well and long may it last. I've a great team of staff and owners and that helps."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)

About Gary Carson
Gary started out as a trainee/assistant journalist with the Sporting Life newspaper and has worked in the racing industry for over 25 years. He has been with the Press Association since 2013 and won the Irish Field Nap Table in 2016. He enjoys working with horses and trained his own horse, Mamaslittlestar, to win a point-to-point in 2019.