Garrai opens account with clearcut win

Garrai Phaidin was an early casualty on his handicap debut at Thurles a fortnight ago but, despite some indifferent jumping again, put matters right on his return to the same venue with an ultimately facile success in the Rock Of Cashel Handicap Chase.

Brian O’Connell had the seven-year-old gelding up with the pace throughout, and was left clear when Milanesque fell at what proved to be the last with the final fence bypassed due to earlier fallers.

The 14/1 chance was having just his sixth run under rules, and came home 16 lengths clear despite O’Connell easing down in the closing stages. Notification took the runner-up berth, with Adams Wood another seven lengths away in third.

Winning trainer Shane Ryder said, "His jumping can be erratic so your heart would be in your mouth with him. He has a bit of ability though and he'll go for something similar next, over a trip."

Regarding the fall of 13/8 favourite Milanesque at the final obstacle, Ryder added "I think he might have won anyway but if I was to talk to Noel O'Brien (Handicapper) I'd say he wouldn't!"

Ryder currently has 11 horses at his yard between Ballinasloe and Portumna.

(TW & AM)