Back beats Back on chasing debut

Backinthere made a winning start over fences when claiming the mares beginners chase at Clonmel.

Eamonn Gallagher’s charge hadn’t run since March but had been a winner twice over timber towards the start of the year.

She attracted support on her chasing debut, from 9/1 in morning - returned 4/1, and justified that confidence.

Adrian Heskin produced his mount to dispute entering straight and fought it out with Back In A Tic from before the second last.

Backinthere found more in the closing stages to record a length-and-three-quarters success. “I couldn’t wait to see her over fences.

Running her over hurdles was stretching her a bit but she’s made for this,” said Gallagher.

“She had done a lot of work and schooling but very little work on grass. 2m4f on yielding ground is probably quick enough for her as she prefers longer trips.

“She’ll stick to mares chases but she could go for a handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February in which she finished second last year.

“She’s the only horse I have for the track at the moment. I’ve one point-to-pointer who was placed last year - he has ground to make up!”

There was drama at the fourth last as Ocean Bright crashed out, badly hampering 5/2 favourite Speckled Wood who unseated Alan Crowe.

The stewards enquired into the running of The Blarney Rose who stayed on from the rear to finish fifth.

The concluded that amateur Brendan Crowley had not taken all reasonable measures to attain the best possible placing and hit him with a seven-day ban.

They also noted the explanations of trainer Eugene O'Sulivan.

(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)