Ill fated win for Swift Pick

BARRY GERAGHTY had his claim reduced to 5lb after partnering Swift Pick to a narrow win in the Leinster Petroleum Maiden Hurdle at Kilbeggan last evening but the five year old Roselier gelding literally gave everything for the success as he had to be destroyed after the race.Geraghty (17), rated one of the leading claiming jump riders after a meteoric rise up the ranks this year, sent Swift Pick into a five length lead after the fourth last. However, that advantage was whittled away by the last flight as a group of three horses including odds on favourite Total Success closed up. But the Noel Meade trained leader refused to give in and found extra reserves in the closing stages to hold Change The Script by a head.

It was soon apparent that all was not well with the winner, and Meade later reported that the gelding had broken his knee just 50 yards from the line.

Meade and Geraghty were unlucky not to complete a double in the following Keenan Bros Handicap Hurdle with The Bould Vic. I Remember It Well set the pace here and still held a slight lead approaching the last when she veered left and interfered with Geraghty's mount.

Meanwhile Legitman was making headway on the outer under David Casey, and he took full advantage of the incident to beat I Remember It Well by half a length, with The Bould Vic a further length and a half adrift in third. Not surprisingly a stewards' enquiry was called almost immediately, and the placings of the second and third were reversed.

Charlie Swan completed a double on Permit Me and Triptodicks.