Jack credits Cavanagh with first winner

Twenty-two-year-old Simon Cavanagh from Mullingar rode his first track winner aboard Jack Aboo owned and bred by his father Richard, in the concluding Woodrooff Maiden Hunters Chase at Clonmel.

Ray Barron asked his mount, the challenging Wish Ye Didnt to come up and gain the upper hand at the last, but the Oscar mare didn't really respond and got rid of her rider.

Meanwhile John Fitzpatrick, who has been making an impression 'between the flags' recently, doubtless found himself further back than he'd have liked, when the favourite, Court Frontier was a bit awkward at the start.

He was soon too far out of his ground, but the Barry Connell-owned, and Alan Fleming-trained dual point-to-point scorer, reduced the deficit 'hand over fist' on Jack Aboo from the back of the last. He ultimately failed to bridge the gap by half a length.

Winning trainer Dot Love said: "I'm delighted for the Cavanagh family and he'll stay point to pointing and hunter chasing now. We might look for a hunters chase in England with him."

For his part Cavanagh disclosed: "I've had four point to point winners and I ride out for John Joe Walsh and Dot Love." (TW & EM)