Handicapper hits hard but I'vehadit has a win in him

A whopping 16lb extra for an easy win at Fairyhouse means I'vehadit is no good thing for the featured Tote Exacta Hurdle at Limerick…

A whopping 16lb extra for an easy win at Fairyhouse means I'vehadit is no good thing for the featured Tote Exacta Hurdle at Limerick but there might be another victory in the horse before he has indeed had it.

Lurking at the other end of the handicap is Aimees Mark, who burned a few fingers when only third to Tuska Ridge at Navan last weekend. Another to consider looks to be Homestead, but it could pay to keep faith with I'vehadit.

Curraheen Chief was thrown out of a bumper victory at Listowel in September by the stewards but looks the one to back in the concluding Ladies race.

Tony Martin sends Bobabout south for the Beginners Chase and the Glen Tormey-ridden horse could be the answer to a less than brilliant contest.

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Joyful River has a festival success notched up, having beaten Commanche Pride and Bandon Valley here on St Stephen's Day. The Hourigan horse looks the pick for the follow-up in the handicap chase.

Timbera, who edged out Regency Rake yesterday, looks the danger if coming out again.

Joe Casey took the riding honours yesterday on day two of the festival when partnering the opening two winners, Lonesome Dealer and Tobeornotobe.

Lonesome Dealer was given a confident ride in the Maiden Hurdle, leading on the run-in to beat Fore Or More by a length and a half. Casey completed his 8 to 1 double aboard the Gerry O'Neill-trained Tobeornotobe in the Rated Hurdle. The well-backed 2 to 1 favourite held the renewed effort of Nipitinthebud by half a length, and is likely to go chasing soon.

Mark Molloy saddled his first winner on the track when Instant Queen justified good support under John Thomas McNamara in the Mares Beginners Chase.

"I have a small team mainly for point-to-points and selling, and this mare won four of her five starts in points. That win is very important as she will be covered in the spring," said the Tipperary handler.

The featured Bank Of Ireland Handicap Chase provided racegoers with a real spectacle as Timbera (Roger Loughran) just got the better of Regency Rake after a protracted duel from two out.

Amateur rider Denis Cullen partnered his first winner over hurdles, and his eighth in total on the track, when Kadoun held the late surge of Native Jack by half a length in the Meteor Mobile Hurdle.

Emotional Moment led between the final two flights to take the Event and Leisure Promotions Handicap hurdle, and trainer Tom Taaffe is planning a quick follow-up at either Punchestown or Gowran Park.

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor

Brian O'Connor is the racing correspondent of The Irish Times. He also writes the Tipping Point column