Lurgan takes the honours at Naas

Racing : Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh suffered a rare reverse when Drive On Regardles was collared close home by Dessie Hughes…

Racing: Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh suffered a rare reverse when Drive On Regardles was collared close home by Dessie Hughes' Lurgan in the Annual Membership At Naas Maiden Hurdle.

Walsh gave his mount a positive ride and appeared to hold all the aces on the even-money favourite turning into the straight.

But first Danderry challenged on his outside before Roger Loughran took a daring run up Walsh's inner which paid dividends and the 7-2 shot went on to win by a length and a half.

Loughran said: "The ground was very dead on the inside and I was tracking Ruby for most of the way and I noticed his horse was jumping to his right.

READ MORE

"I just started to labour a little bit when I jumped the third last and Andrew McNamara (Danderry) came up on my outside.

"But when Ruby's jumped right at the last my fellow kept plugging on up the rail and went on well.

"I knew he was good and honest and takes his racing well. I think he'll improve for three miles and fences."