Mark Nunan
Mark Enright back amongst the winners on Casey's mare
Ar Eagla Na Heagla
© Photo Healy Racing
It came down to a battle between two horses away from the third-last in the Ladbrokes Handicap Chase, and when Ar Eagla Na Heagla (4/1 jt fav) wasn’t great two out that gave the advantage to Callthebarman racing down to the last.
Chris Timmons’ mount got it all wrong at that final fence though and, despite trying to cling on, the jockey hit the deck along with his partner as Peter Casey’s mare galloped home alone to win by twenty-three lengths. Global Jackpot (7/1) and Powersbomb (10/1) filled the placings, while the other 4/1 joint favourite Jack Dillinger finished fifth.
The winning daughter of Trans Island, in off bottom weight, added this first chase win to victories over hurdles at Gowran and on the Flat at Leopardstown.
"Those fences around here are bigger than what she has been jumping, said the winning jockey Mark Enright (first winner of an injury-interrupted season).
"She was just a little bit novicey at a couple but I think I had the horse that unseated at the last covered.
"She did (stick at it very gamely). I caught the screen out of the corner of my eye and I thought there was something coming behind me and I hit her a couple of flicks that I didn't need to.
"It depends what the handicapper does - she had a light weight there and hopefully he gives her a chance."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham