Doyle for double as O'Keeffe reduces claim

Blaze A Trail completed a 43/1 double at Wexford for Liz Doyle, as he claimed the concluding Download The Boylesports App Handicap Chase.

A surprise winner over flights at Thurles in November, the son of Morozov failed to make an impact on his first three tries over the larger obstacles.

Making his handicap debut today, the six-year-old was sent off a 10/1 chance under Sean O'Keeffe, who with this success saw his claim reduced from five to three.

Never far off the pace, the bay victor improved to dispute the lead from three out and was pushed to the front before the next.

His task was made that bit easier when the strong travelling Gold Sun crashed out there, hampering Thats My Presenting who then unseated Donagh Meyler.

A perfect jump at the last sealed the deal for Blaze A Trail, as he kept on strongly to record a six and a half length success. Back To Bataan (15/2) filled the runner-up spot under Simon Torrens for his uncle Mervyn, while Garrai Phaidin (6/1) was another four and a quarter lengths back in third.

Maureen Star was sent off the 11/2 favourite and she finished a disappointing eighth.

Doyle, who was earlier on the mark with Yabo said: "Everything went wrong for him the last day at Kilbeggan. There was a false start and he is a bit of a hot horse. The short journey here today helped because he is just a bit of a worrier. He relaxed beautifully today.

"I gave him a month between races and I probably ran him a bit too quick the last day. We decided to take our time with him today and he jumped great. I don’t know if he would have won but it’s great to win for another owner/breeder, Jack Kidd.

"I've had a good few doubles here before and it’s great because it's hard to get them. The horses are healthy thank God.

"He has won a hurdle off 96 and now he has won over fences off 97. We'll see where he goes now."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards requested a report from Miss Elizabeth Doyle, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Blaze A Trail, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Miss Elizabeth Doyle stated that her charge can be quite free and on its most recent run there was a false start that caused her charge boil over and run disappointingly. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation given.