Patience pays off with Cave

At the age of nine the best Bective Cave had managed in nineteen starts was a fourth placing. That all changed on outing number seven for Matthew Smith when the 10/1 chance landed the BBQ Evening At Clonmel Races Handicap Hurdle in style.

Andrew Lynch was aboard the brother to winning 'pointer' and hunter chaser Cave Hunter and here they chased the leaders and were second at halfway.

Bective Cave challenged after three out, and he disputed the lead entering the straight. In front before the second last, the Smith runner was ridden and kept on well from before the last to beat Fly Round The Bend (25/1) by four and a half lengths.

Smith commented: "He's done it well. Andrew rode him the last day and said he didn't stay (2m5f). He said to go back to two miles and he was right.

"I'm delighted for Pat Keating (owner) as the horse has had a few problems. He was right the last day but just didn't stay."

(AM & EM)