Bags makes it three wins from last four starts

Pack Your Bags made it three wins from his last four starts, as he took the Tipperary Racecourse Handicap Chase.

Successful at Down Royal and Clonmel earlier this year, the Robert Tyner trained nine-year-old could only manage seventh when tried over flights on his last start.

Sent off an easy to back 11/2 chance this evening, the son of Black Sam Bellamy was settled behind the leaders by Phillip Enright.

He improved to challenge the front-running Effernock Lad on the approach to two out, and matters were still in the balance when that one almost unseated at the last.

This left Pack Your Bags with the initiative, and he was ridden out on the run-in, coming home four and half lengths to the good in the colours of owner JP McManus.

Effernock Lad (10/1) had to settle for second under Killian Moore, while The Irregular (33s this morning and from 16s to 14s on-course) was eight lengths back in third. Commandant who was returned the 10/3 favourite, could only manage a disappointing sixth.

Tyner said afterwards: "It was going to be a good fight to the line only for the mistake by the second horse at the last.

"He handled that ground and we were all wrong about the horse as we thought he wanted a trip. We thought he'd run well around Wexford in a hurdle race and we afterwards thought he didn't handle the track and he is after coming together going the opposite direction this year.

"Obviously he gets two miles no problem and handles that ground. He can go back over hurdles again."

STEWARDS REPORTS

D. Meyler, rider of Stoughan Cross trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up lame.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Stoughan Cross, trained by Thomas Gibney, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Rock Road trained by Michael J. Bowe, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes