The doyen of racing commentary, Jerry Hannon, added to an exhilarating finish in Leopardstown today as his dulcet tones reached new heights for the climax of the Paddy Power Chase.
Fitzhenry seemed to have the win wrapped up with just a few strides to go to the winning post when Roaring Bull, under Jack Kennedy, made a late dash for the line to claim the win by half a length.
Even Hannon struggled to contain his excitement as the Gordon Elliott-trained runner got his nose in front just in time.
What a finish... and what a commentary! 😲
Race caller Jerry Hannon discovers a whole new octave as the enigmatic Roaring Bull comes from nowhere to land the €200,000 Paddy Power Chase at @LeopardstownRC - now someone go and get that man a glass of water! 🥤 pic.twitter.com/lFRoJsjnzz— Racing TV (@RacingTV) December 27, 2019
Earlier on in the day, A Plus Tard and Abacadabras claimed the Grade One honours for Henry De Bromhead and Gordon Elliott respectively, while last year's Champion Hurdle runner-up, Melon, claimed his first win since November 2017.
The first race of the day saw Shane Lowry and other members of the Clara Jug Syndicate miss out on what would surely have been cause for a rousing end to the year in Clara as their runner, Theatre of War, was pipped at the line by Leagan Gaeilge in the Paddy Power Beginners Chase.
The Kerry commentator, however, provided the standout moment of the day as he produced one of his trademark soundbites after yet another fascinating duel.
