Heavily-backed Total Recall powers to Munster National glory
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Thu 28 Dec 2023
Total Recall landed a monster gamble in the JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase at Limerick.
Having his first start for Willie Mullins on the retirement of Sandra Hughes, he was sent off the 2-1 favourite in the 16-runner field.
Keen early on, Ruby Walsh managed to get him settled at the rear of the field and he was always cantering thereafter.
Alpha Des Obeaux was still in front turning for home and ran a fine race off top weight, but there was never any real question who was going to win.
Running off just 129, the handicapper will no doubt have his say after this stroll in the park, but his biggest danger on this occasion was avoiding the fallers.
Walsh briefly shook him up after the last and he sprinted clear to win in fine style, scoring by seven lengths. Phil's Magic was third with Tulsa Jack fourth.
Walsh said: "He travelled and jumped well and I suppose the runner-up has run a blinder under top weight and we only had 10st 5lb on his back.
"He's a nice horse to get, he jumped super and was obviously well taught as a novice last year. He's a very loose horse, is like an elastic band and has great use of himself and has great power.
"He had a great racing weight on his back which is a huge plus and I'd say the runner-up has run an unbelievable race with top weight on his first run for a while.
"I was lucky as there were a couple of fallers and a lot suffered interference, but I was lucky to miss a good bit of that.
"He definitely got three miles and if you get into these type of handicaps with less than 10st 7lb, you've a huge chance and it's such an advantage.
"It's my second time winning the race after Dear Villez (2008) and it's great to win another big handicap with good prize-money."
Related posts
Dave Nevison's Friday tips: Chester Cup selection and more
Drama at Chester as racing continues after lengthy ground-related discussions
Dave Nevison's Thursday tips: bets at Chester and Redcar
Katie Midwinter's Friday tips: 40-1 chance among five picks
Friday tips: Alex Scott's Chester Cup tip plus other bets
Featured offers
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets in Multis with Betfair
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets with Betano
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 & Get £30 in free bets with bet365
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved