Seabass back in the limelight at Thurles

Seabass rolled back the years with an impressive success in the David O'Halloran Memorial Rated Novice Hurdle at Thurles today.

The 12-year-old, who finished third in the 2012 Grand National under Katie Walsh, recorded his first success since scoring in Grade 2 company prior to that run at Aintree.

Katie Walsh had her mount prominent throughout in the 2m6f contest as she pressed Conal ridden by her brother Ruby.

Seabass hit the front at the third last and powered clear before the final flight to record a six-length success over 15/8 favourite Just Cause

Ted Walsh's charge was well beaten on his return to action over fences at Punchestown earlier in the month and was sent off a 20/1 shot today.

"This is as good a day as I've ever had! He's some horse and is part of the household at this stage,: said Ted Walsh afterwards.

“He's had more trouble than ten horses but Ruby rode him the last day and said he galloped away and that there was life in the old dog yet.

"He's rated 140 over fences so where would you go with him but he got into this and I was just hoping he'd show a bit of spark. If he never again sees a racecourse, I'm delighted!

"He's only had 22 or 23 runs in his entire life and god knows what he would have achieved if he had a trouble free run. I'm absolutely delighted with him and he's a classy old horse."

(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)