Joe Joe takes easier option and scores

Thelobstercatcher shaped well when leading after three out in the Cube Veterans Handicap Chase. However he was a sitting duck for Smokey Joe Joe (10/1) from before the next, and that fellow went on to win at Limerick for trainer Steve Mahon and rider Luke Dempsey.

When Smokey Joe Joe hit the last it gave a chink of light to backers and connections of the favourite, Final Gift but the winner found enough to score by three and a quarter lengths.

"I knew he'd handle the ground and he was entered here (Tim Duggan Memorial Chase) yesterday and I was on the verge of declaring him but then I felt it was a good race and this was a veterans' race," commented Mahon.

"He's a grand horse and we got him for nothing three years and on three legs; thanks to swimming, it keeps him sound. We'll look for something similar next."

S.E. Butler, rider of Golden Plan trained by Mark Fahey, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having stopped quickly following a number of jumping errors.

(TW & EM)