Ontheropes lands knockout blow for O'Keeffe

The unexposed Ontheropes (7/1) got off the mark over fences as he landed the featured JT McNamara Ladbrokes Munster National in the hands of Sean O’Keeffe.

The Presenting gelding, running in a handicap for just the second time and making his first appearance since chasing home Monkfish at Fairyhouse last November, was settled in mid-division before making smooth progress to lead before the second-last fence.

A mistake at that obstacle allowed A Wave Of The Sea to join him in front, but the Cheveley Park Stud-owned 7-year-old was much better at the last and stayed on well to pull two and a quarter lengths clear of that rival at the line.

The former’s stablemate Top Moon was three and half lengths further back in third, while gambled-on favourite Dinny Lacey (9/1 into 5/1 before the off) never landed a blow before finishing eleventh.

After Total Recall and Cabaret Queen, it was a third Munster National in five years for absent winning trainer Wille Mullins.

"I'm delighted with that, and delighted to get the opportunity," said Sean O'Keeffe.

"I want to thank Willie for putting me up, and it’s great to get the job done.

“It’s my first time riding the horse, and in fairness he was very straightforward. He got away well and had a little peck at the first but after that he jumped super everywhere.

"I was always comfortable, I had a lovely position, and I was confident to not let him try to sprint too much. I built it up from the top of the hill and he was good at the last — he winged it for me — and he was always holding on a bit.

“We made a mistake at the second-last but when I got stuck into him, he picked up again and was always doing enough.

“Willie’s done a great job with him. He’s had a few problems along the way, but it’s great to get a good pot for him.”

Quotes from Thomas Weekes