Notice To Close shows right attitude to win again

As was the case with the opening race scorer, Epson Du Houx Notice To Close secured Powerstown Park honours for a second time in the ClonmelRaces.ie Novice Handicap Chase.

Winning and in-form jockey Brian Hayes is fond of this grey, having travelled down from a meeting at Navan, to ride him a winner at Cork 11 days back.

That was over two miles and five furlongs and the Seamus Neville owned and trained six-year-old benefitted from an attacking ride by the Cork man this afternoon, as he dropped back in trip.

When his rivals got to the front runner from before the straight it looked as though they might sweep on by.

It’s not difficult to see why the money came for Notice To Close at Cork, and indeed again today (9/2 into 100/30) as he’s honest and tough.

Back in front before two out the British-bred stayed on stoutly to see off favourite Golden Jewel and Mister Fogpatches (bad mistake at the penultimate fence) by seven lengths and three lengths.

Three times a winner in point-to-points as well there should be more to come from Notice To Close and Hayes said: "He will be an exciting horse for staying handicap chases.

"He's a real tough horse, won last week in Cork when he had a hard race, but in fairness to him pulled out again today and did the same.

"He loves jumping and stays well. I was talking to Seamus today and he said to grab the bulls by the horns and ride him prominently. The trip was probably a bit wrong for him so we said we'd make use of his stamina."

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Cluan Dara trained by John Patrick Ryan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

A. McCurtin, rider of Convara trained by T.Shanahan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

(TW & EM)