Holden & Blackmore land Leinster National

Ellmarie Holden and Rachael Blackmore recorded the biggest win of their fledgling careers, as they combined to land the Grade A Download The Ladbrokes Exchange App Leinster National Handicap Chase, with Abolitionist

A good second to Empire Of Dirt in the Troytown Chase at Navan in November, the son of Flemensfirth went off a 12/1 chance today in the colours of Catherine Holden.

Settled towards rear early on, the nine-year-old victor was slightly hampered at the first. He took closer order in mid-division with a circuit to race, and improved right on to the heels of the leaders from the fourth last.

He hit the front on the run to two out, and he kept on well under pressure on the run-in, going on to score by a length and three parts. Folsom Blue (12/1) tried to reel in the winner after the last, but he ultimately had to settle for second under JJ Slevin for Mouse Morris. Sumos Novios (12/1) was another ten lengths back in third under Robbie Power for Liam Burke, while Ucello Conti (7/1) was three and three parts of a length away in fourth under Daryl Jacob for Gordon Elliott. Bonny Kate was sent off the 6/1 favourite and she faded tamely from the second last, pulling up before the final fence.

Rachael Blackmore said afterwards: "Ellmarie (Holden) and Ray Cody, her assistant, are doing an absolutely fantastic job with these horses. They are fit and healthy.

"He hasn't had a run in a while but he was spot on for today. A lot of the credit goes to Ellmarie and Ray.

"They were very hopeful of a big run today but you still have to go out and do it.

"The ground was a little bit tougher today but he was good.

"I was maybe in front a small bit soon but I didn't want to go taking him back as he was rolling and he was happy. You wouldn't want to be taking them back too much in that ground when they are rolling.

"If I had gotten beat I was definitely in front too soon!

"I'm absolutely thrilled with the way things are going. I'm getting a lot of support and I'm very grateful.

"Days like today make it all worthwhile."

When asked about Cheltenham mounts, Blackmore added: "I will ride Linger in the Fred Winter, while I might also ride Magna Cartor in the Supreme."

Paddy Power go 16/1 (from 33's) about Abolitionist for the Irish Grand National.

STEWARDS REPORTS

S.W. Flanagan, rider of Bonny Kate trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly and pulled up.

M.A. Enright, rider of Fair Return (GB) trained by Noel Meade, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel during this race.

The Stewards interviewed J.J. Slevin, rider of Folsom Blue, concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that J.J. Slevin was in breach of R10(3)(f) by using his whip with excessive force and frequency and having taken his previous record into consideration, suspended him for 5 racedays.

The Stewards received a report that Space Cadet trained by Gordon Elliot, was found to have a foot injury post race which required treatment.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson