The Big Dog snatches Munster National prize for Peter Fahey

Peter Fahey’s The Big Dog snatched victory in the final strides of the JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National Handicap Chase at Limerick.

The nine-year-old jumped well throughout under Keith Donoghue, running prominently before squaring up with Ain’t That A Shame (5-1 favourite) ahead of the second-last.

The latter looked a sure winner coming into the final obstacle, but an awkward jump gave The Big Dog a chance to gain ground and he took it, pursuing his rival all the way to the line and snipping away at his lead to win by a head.

“Keith got on very well with him, he jumped and travelled for him and the whole way through the race, I was just hoping I had him fit enough to stay at it,” Fahey said after the 16-1 victory.

“The one thing about him is he does battle well and he was fit enough and stayed going. It is great to get a big pot.

“We brought him in a bit earlier this year to aim him at these good handicaps, as last year we were protecting his mark for the Welsh National but were unlucky.

“He made the mistake, the reins went over his head and was pulled up. He then went to Punchestown and got a bit of an injury.

“He will tip away and will aim for the Troytown and other staying chases and if he ended up being an Aintree horse I’d be delighted. I’m delighted for the Kellys (owners) who are a big family and are great supporters of racing – they’ll enjoy it.”

The trainer added: “The yard are in great form and everyone says how good their staff is but I think I have the best staff in racing.”

Rebel Ivy floored some big names when running out a straightforward winner of a strong-looking Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cailin Alainn Mares’ Hurdle at Limerick.

An 18-1 chance in the Listed contest for trainer James Motherway and rider Sean O’Keeffe, the seven-year-old jumped soundly to saunter into the lead over the penultimate fence.

With her rivals strung out behind her, the mare was unchallenged in crossing the line 10 lengths ahead of Coral Cup winner Heaven Help Us and Mares’ Hurdle runner-up Queens Brook, who was sent off the 4-6 favourite.

“I’m over the moon. It was her first run of the season, we knew it was a hot race and I told Sean to ride for a place,” Motherway said.

“He said it went easy all the way and he had loads of mare coming down the home straight.

“She always threatened to be a really nice mare, but mentally has always been fractious. Since her break she has become more relaxed and chilled out and stronger as well.

“She had a super run at the Punchestown Festival and her form was there in the background. It was hard to over confident, but it is great to black type.”

Andrew Slattery enjoyed the first Listed jumps winner of his training career when Plains Indian landed the Dunraven Arms Hotel Novice Hurdle.

At 5-1 the Danny Mullins-ridden chestnut proved his stamina when tried over the trip for the first time and defeated The Friday Man, the even-money favourite, by a length and a half.

“I’ve had a couple of Group winners on the Flat, but that’s my first Listed winner over jumps,” said Slattery.

“He has been in training all year, has improved and improved. We ran him in a Flat maiden at Roscommon when he was off the bridle all the way, but I think the race is after improving him.

“Even though his dam is a half-sister to Death Duty, I was worried about his stamina because he had been free in the past. I left riding instructions up to Danny and he said there was a good enough pace and he settled well.

“He was off for two years, but is back now. I was planning to go for a big handicap at Leopardstown, but that’s probably gone now.”