Thurles report: Ricky Doyle conjures up unlikely win on Whirling Dervish

Whirling Dervish and Ricky Doyle win the Thurles Handicap Hurdle.

Whirling Dervish, who was once rated 100 on the level, took the Thursday’s feature, the two-mile-seven Thurles Handicap Hurdle, for trainer Johnny Levins and jockey Ricky Doyle.

Having his third run for Levins, having won previously over hurdles for Gavin Cromwell and on the Flat for Jessica Harrington, he raced prominently but looked set for a minor placing when the strong-travelling Kellyiscool hit the front going to the final flight.