Carr delighted to pick up trophy

Trainer John Carr was delighted to win the impressive looking Joe Cooney Memorial Cup with Chapter Eleven as he quipped about the successful Racing Tribe Syndicate from Westport, Co Mayo: “They aren’t going to win the Sam Maguire so this will do!”

It has been 18 runners since the trainer’s last success at Kilbeggan so the 8/1 victory in the two mile three furlong handicap hurdle was welcome for the Maynooth-based handler.

Jockey Ian McCarthy sent the seven-year-old mare on two out and the pair won by three lengths from the staying on Riotman (8/1 to 11/2 in the morning and 6/1 to 9/2 on course). Im Suir from the Willie Mullins yard took third three lengths behind Riotman at 7/2 after 398 days off the track. Carheenlea (14/1) completed the placings in the 16-runner handicap.

John Carr also commented: “It’s nice to win the Joe Cooney Cup. We’ll find something similar and she’s running well.” Prayer From Heaven the 10/3 favourite led four out but faded to finish sixth. Archies Sister ran out through the rail after the first and was pulled up.

Michael Graham