Progressive Samurai puts his rivals to the sword

The second divide of the Support The Irish Injured Jockeys Fund Handicap Chase went the way of Black Samurai as he comfortably followed-up on his recent Limerick win.

Successful in a point-to-point at Lingstown in March of last year, the Sean Aherne trained seven-year-old had been disappointing up until that Limerick victory.

Sent off at 9/2 this afternoon, the son of Black Sam Bellamy was settled behind the leaders by Sean O’Keeffe, taking closer order from five out.

He improved to lead approaching the third last and was pushed clear after the next, going on to register a seven-and-a-half length success. Emir De Rots (5/1) finished second under Jordan Gainford for Paul Nolan, while Hollybank King (16/1) was another two-and-three-parts of a length back in third. Lessofdnegativity was sent off the 4/1 favourite and he was still in with every chance when falling three out.

Aherne said in the aftermath: "He seems to be improving. His owner (Eoin Barry) is a good man and is based in Boston.

"He got a fall in Thurles earlier in the year and it didn't help him. It took a long time for him to come someway right. All the horses at home seem to have come into form lately.

"He has little wind issues and the better ground is a big help to him. We will see how is in the morning before making any further plans.”