Our Vinnie battles back for win

RACING:Our Vinnie edged out hot favourite Pride Ofthe Parish in a pulsating finish to the Liberty Insurance Novice Hurdle at Limerick yesterday.

The latter was an 8 to 15 market leader following a bloodless victory at Fairyhouse earlier this month and he tracked 2 to 1 shot Our Vinnie into the home straight, with the pair miles clear of the remainder.

Favourite backers looked sure to collect when a minor mistake from Our Vinnie at the final obstacle handed Pride Ofthe Parish the advantage, but the Charles Byrnes-trained winner rallied gamely in the hands of Niall Madden and there was little to choose between the pair passing the post.

The photograph revealed that Our Vinnie had got back up to take the Grade Three prize by a short-head.

Byrnes went on to complete a double as Dazzlers Day (20-1) claimed the Ryans Cleaning Handicap Hurdle. Despite being so narrowly denied on Pride Ofthe Parish in the feature event, jockey Paul Townend enjoyed a good day at the office with a couple of winners.

Bolger looking to finish on a high with Drawn N Drank at Limerick

Local trainer Enda Bolger began Limerick's Christmas festival with a 25 to 1 shocker in Love Rory on Wednesday and will hope to close it with a win for Drawn N Drank today should the track pass an 8.am inspection.

The three miles of this afternoon's handicap hurdle will be no trouble to Drawn N Drank, a double point-to-point winner, who has returned to winning form after fracturing a knee last year.

Stamina certainly looked to be his strong suit when breaking his maiden over flights at Navan recently, proving too strong for Kashline and Wednesday's Down Royal winner Torn Asunder.

This race has been the plan since and with the Bolger team in flying form generally, Drawn N Drank can maintain his winning momentum.

Michael Hourigan is another Limerick local who can hit the festival bullseye with Aerlite Supreme in the bumper and Oscars Business can reward Robert Tyner's trip from Cork in the two mile three furlong Mares Beginners Chase.

Philip Enright's mount looks to have Dangan Daylight to beat and although Oscars Business has shown a tendency to jump left, a repeat of her recent Punchestown effort could be good enough.

Caoimhe's Delight found only Oscars Joy too good for her on her hurdling debut at Fairyhouse and can cope with the course bumper winner Casablanca Lily in the mares maiden.

Brian O'Connor