The lightly-raced Mitebeall Forluck made his handicap debut a winning one when getting up in the dying strides to take the John Kennedy Motors Handicap Chase at Clonmel yesterday.
The five-year-old gelding was patiently ridden by Barry Cash, who pushed the 7/1 chance out on the run-in to pip Tellherimnothere by a head.
Winning trainer Arthur Moore said: “He wants nice ground and that’s why his form had been so bad. We’ll tip away at something similar.”
Mark Enright was confirmed the top jockey at Clonmel for 2013 after the race, and former weigh room colleague Ken Whelan accepted a cheque for €1,000 on his behalf.
Kylecrue returned to form in no uncertain manner when fitted with blinkers to record a shock 16/1 win in the Martinstown Opportunity Handicap Hurdle.
The six-year-old lost his way after a fine debut win in a point-to-point back in April, and was pulled up on his latest two starts in handicap hurdles at Down Royal and here at Clonmel. However, the application of blinkers did the trick as he took over from front-runner Drumlister three out.
Ryan Treacy's mount jumped left at the final three flights and hung left on the run-in but still had nearly three lengths to spare over Dawn Flyer at the line. Noble Call was a further four and a half lengths adrift in third.
'Blinkers helped him'
Winning trainer John Ryan said: "I thought he was very good when he won his point-to-point at our home place in Templemore. But he didn't want to know when he went up to better class and he was lairy enough. The blinkers helped him to concentrate and the drop down in class was also a help. He'll be way better over fences."
The second last fence often plays a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of chases at Clonmel, and the point was never more illustrated than in the Kilsheelan Beginners Chase where Golanbrook ultimately came home virtually alone.
The two miles and three furlongs event looked set to serve up a good finish as four horses raced towards the penultimate fence but only narrow leader Golanbrook made it safely to the other side. The 4/5 favourite Kalmann appeared to be travelling best when falling at this point, while Teelin Star and Worldor also fell independently when close-up.
Andrew McNamara was unaware of the drama behind and rode out the 9/4 winner who cam home 79 lengths clear of the only other finisher, He Rock’s. Ruby Walsh, John Cullen and a shaken Andrew Lynch all walked away from the scene.
McNamara said: “He’s a very idle horse and I don’t know what the others had left. I took a look behind and Ruby was travelling well going to the second last but I didn’t know they were all after going at that fence.”
“We were due it. He met some nice horses on his last few runs and luck was on our side today. In fairness the other fellow wasn’t running away either and they are there to be jumped,” said winning trainer Tom Foley.
