Say It Ain't So records shock win on chase debut

Say It Ain’t So upset the odds when taking the Tote Win Never Beaten By SP Beginners Chase in fine style for Tommy Brett and Toomevara trainer Ray Hackett at Clonmel.

The son of Kayf Tara cost €125,000 as a three-year-old at the Derby Sale before winning a maiden hurdle here in 2020 for Henry de Bromhead.

The lightly-raced gelding subsequently joined Hackett and, having made little impression when last seen in a handicap hurdle at the Galway Festival, was sent off a friendless 40/1 here on his chasing debut.

Brett’s mount was never far from the pace and took control after two out to beat the evens favourite Manitopark Aa by an easy 12 lengths. Broken Ice was just a head further back in third.

Hackett said, "That was a nice surprise. He is a nice horse and was that when he was younger, but we've had to be patient. I was wrong with him last year and was training him too hard at home and couldn't keep condition on him.

"We've taken our time this time around so wasn't sure how fit he was but conditions suited and it was an ideal race to start off in. As big as he is, he just flicks along on the ground so once the ground is safe, he'll be out all summer.

"I'm delighted for Pat and Angela (Gleeson, owners) and the Kearneys as they had to be patient after buying him."

(TW & AM)