JP McManus-owned horse lands big gamble at Wexford

A JP McManus horse was the subject of a big winning gamble at Wexford on Wednesday evening.

The Colm Murphy-trained Lovely Hurling was available at as big as 8/1 when the market first opened for the closing Racing Again 13th July INH Flat Race.

But that price did not last long, and by the off, the once-raced gelding was backed into the 6/5 favourite.

Read More: Aidan O’Brien confirms three runners for Epsom Derby

Read More: White Birch rated highest in Europe after Tattersalls Gold Cup triumph

The five-year-old ran in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse on his debut in March and travelled well in the hands of Jody McGarvey.

Despite being 80/1 on that occasion, he finished seventh of 18 runners and could have been a lot closer if not for a bad mistake at the second last hurdle.

Connections clearly felt there was better to come, and he was given a patient ride by John Gleeson when returning to the track at Wexford.

Although showing greenness when hitting the front, Lovely Hurling finished five lengths ahead of Laramie, with the pair well clear of the remainder, to land a big gamble.

Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email alerts.