Rothwell eyes Aintree for Casey West

Casey West held on to claim victory in a driving finish to the Rathronan Maiden Hunters Chase at Clonmel.

The 7/4 favourite snapped a string of runner-up berths when scoring by a head under Tiernan Power Roche.

The duo raced just off the heels of the leaders straightening for home and Casey West was shaken up after two out to take a very narrow lead at the final fence. He had Pulse Of Camelot on his inner and Nibbles on his outer in jumping it, but Nibbles took a crashing fall to leave Casey West and Pulse Of Camelot tussling away on the run-in.

The latter gave best in the closing stages as Dromleigh surged home on the run-in to force the photograph with Casey West, however, the favourite shaded it by a head from the 9/2 runner-up. Pulse Of Camelot was five-and-a-half-lengths adrift in third at 33/1.

Trainer Philip Rothwell said: "I took a chance coming here so soon after Limerick and he is also way better going left-handed.

"I have him for two point-to-point and two hunter chases and he had finished second three times.

"Aintree is left-handed and I think now we are qualified to run in the Foxhunters Chase there. He'll go back point-to-pointing now but going left-handed, over a short hunters chase trip and the fences over there, will suit.

"This lad has a bit of class, has to be ridden positively and while he'll go on better ground, wouldn't want it too quick."

He added: "Jimmy and Paddy Casey own him - this is my first horse for them and they are fantastic owners although it cost me a lot of pints of Heineken to get this lad! It has been well worthwhile."

The Raceday Stewards interviewed Mr M.J. O'Connor, rider of Dromleigh, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he was in breach of R.10 and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and having considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found Mr M.J. O'Connor in breach of R.10.3(h)(arm above shoulder height) and having considered his record, they suspended him for four racedays.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes