Plenty of life in veteran Captain Cee Bee

Captain Cee Bee (9/1) stretched clear of 4/6 favourite Rebel Fitz before the last in the Grade 2 featured Friends Of Tipperary Hurdle to record an impressive 11-length win.

The favourite looked to be going just as well as the winner coming to that flight, but emptied quickly and had no response as Captain Cee Bee powered home.

11-year-old Captain Cee Bee had been beaten by Rebel Fitz here in July and then in the Galway Hurdle in August, but turned around the form in no uncertain terms today.

Successful trainer Eddie Harty said: “I wasn’t surprised. I’m biased, but the horse has never got the credit he deserves for how good he is.

“He had a bit of bad luck in the Galway Hurdle. He missed the break, but we were beaten fair and square by Rebel Fitz here.

“We’ll stick to hurdling for the moment, but plans are fluid. There’s no point in experimenting with him at 11. I’ll be lucky to have another one like him.”

Davy Russell was the jockey on beaten favourite Rebel Fitz and he said: “He felt flat. He ran out of petrol on the ground, but we’ve no excuses.”

Trainer Michael Winters added of his Galway Hurdle winner: “He’ll have a break now. He’s due a break. Even before today he was going to get a break.

“The winner looked tremendous. We’re happy enough with our fellow and he’s in one piece. We’re not really sure about plans, but he may come back for the Spring festivals and run over hurdles.”

(On course reporting by Thomas Weekes)