THE opening William Glynn Handicap Hurdle, witnessed by a record attendance at Kilbeggan last evening, produced one of those imponderable results which is the spice of racing.
The race was handed on a plate to the Paddy Mullin strained course winner Parskint after the disputing Straight On had run out before rising to the last flight, carrying out Let It Ride and impeding Sandra Louise.
A close finish was on the cards as Straight On, Sandra Louise and Let It Ride had risen almost as one to the second last flight. Straight On's reins broke on the last bend leaving rider John Shortt hopelessly handicapped. The horse ducked to his left before, the last obstacle, bringing the hapless Let It Ride along with him as Sandra Louise's rider, Liam Fleming, struggled to keep his mount on an even keel.
Meanwhile, a trouble free Parskint arrived from behind on the inside and scampered home to beat Sandra Louise, whose avoiding manoevours cost her more than the three parts of a length she was beaten by.
The 6,300 odd crowd was treated to a thrilling finish to a fast run Bloomfield House Hotel Handicap Chase, with Fays Folly, trained and bred by Frank Berry, and ridden by Ray Hogan, holding off by half a length the challenge of top weight Stevie Be, who unfortunately finished lame and is thought to have broken down.
The latter's trainer, Michael Hourigan, was further out of luck when his charge Dorans Way fell at an early stage of the Beginners Chase.
Bobsville was comfortably clear when jumping to the left over the last flight of the T & V Maiden Hurdle.
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