Ozzie's leads the Way on first start over fences

Ozzie's Way made the perfect start to his career over fences, as he claimed the John Rochford Memorial Beginners Chase.

While he was unplaced in three point-to-point starts, the Denis Hogan trained six-year-old since won two hurdles, with his most recent success coming at Down Royal in June.

Having opened at 9/2 on-course, the son of Oscar eventually went off an easy-to-back 7/1 chance under Andrew Ring.

Never far off the pace, the well-bred victor went a few lengths clear on the approach to the second last and kept up the gallop from there, going on to score by a length and a half. Askann (25s early and returned at 10/1) ran a fine race to take second under Simon Torrens for his uncle Mervyn, while Aherlow (11/8fav) was a further five and a half lengths back in third.

"That was mighty on his first start over fences," said Hogan.

"All the family are chasers so hopefully he'll improve a bit for fences.

"Them races are great (for horses rated 116 or less over hurdles). He's a 112 hurdler I think.

"I was going to pull him out this morning because of the ground, to go to Bellewstown for a handicap hurdle on good ground.

"Having thought about it though if he were to win another hurdle he couldn't run in today's race.

"I just said now was the time to go for a chase when he was down there at 112, and we'll see what the handicapper does now. He could go for one of those rated novices.

"Andrew gave him a good education - he'll learn a lot from today.

"It's great for Tim (Conroy, owner/breeder). He hasn't been racing all summer - his wife hasn't been well. He's at home doing all the jobs on his own.

"Tim has been a loyal patron since I started training.

"This fella's dam (Stashdeaway) was very good for Michael O'Brien. She was a black-type mare from the family of Glebe Lad who won a National."

STEWARDS REPORT

P.J. Cawley, rider of Generator City trained by Denis Gerard Hogan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount didn't handle the ground.

Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy