Gutsy Aerlite rules supreme

Aerlite Supreme gained a gutsy win over the flattering Usa in the featured P & D Lydon Plant Hire Rated Hurdle in Ballinrobe yesterday, completing a double for trainer Michael Hourigan and Adrian Heskin.

Dropping back in trip, the seven-year-old pressed favourite Noble Inn all the way and, having edged ahead, was headed by the runner-up jumping the last. But Heskin rallied his mount and he stayed on to score by a neck, with the favourite back in third.

"I won a race here with Keephergoing for the same lads twenty years ago and, to be honest, I didn’t think this horse would win tonight, over two miles around here. They went slow and I was worried. But he put his head down and fought. He’s not the easiest horse and should have won more races before now."