Carter collects in eventful beginners chase

Davy Russell was back in the winner enclosure at Listowel this afternoon when Coach Carter made a winning start over fences in the Strings And Things Rated Novice Chase.

In an eventful race Russell had to sit tight when his mount clipped heels and stumbled with a circuit to run.

The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding inherited the lead when front-runner Poseidon unshipped Sean O'Keeffe six from home and made the best of his way home afterwards.

Stable-mate Gevrey tried to launch a challenge at the second last but a blunder at the final fence ended his chances and Coach Carter galloped on strongly to record a cosy 10-length win.

The 14/1 winner had won on his hurdling debut at Punchestown back in March but had been well held in a couple of rated contests subsequently.

"Obviously things fell our way when the favourite fell but he jumped well and Davy gave him a good ride. It was a nice race to win and a nice pot,” said Elliott.

"I thought we would be going back for a beginners' chase now so I don't know where we'll go with him. We'll try and find a little winners' race somewhere.

"I asked Jack (Kennedy) and he said Gevrey would have given him a race (only for a final fence blunder) but said he wouldn't have beaten the winner."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)