Island proves the Master in hunter chase

Island Master ended a frustrating run when coming good in the Micro Dog ID Maiden Hunters Chase at Clonmel.

The Liam Burke-trained gelding was one of three horses in the air together at the second last but stayed on really well on the run-in to score in good style.

Richard Harding ’s mount, an 8/1 chance (from 10’s), had three and a half lengths to spare at the line.

The 6/4 favourite Clondaw Frisby held every chance finishing second, with Captain Bizarro just a neck further back in third.

Burke said, “He’s after throwing away three races, and even the last day in a point-to-point he put in a slow jump at the last. He’d a bit of a leg problem last year but he came back. He handled the ground better than I thought he would but Turtle Island’s normally do.

“He will probably run in a handicap later in the year. The cheek-pieces helped him.”

The Mallow trainer reported that Sumos Novios will run at Fairyhouse on Saturday, while his other stablestar My Murphy runs in the National Trial at Punchestown on Sunday.