Donal Murphy
Third time lucky over fences for Jack
Jack Slade puts in a big leap over the last under Sean Flanagan
© Photo Healy Racing
Jack Slade made it third time lucky over fences as he ran out a good winner of the Molson Coors Beginners Chase.
A dual victor over flights, the Noel Meade trained seven-year-old was a good second to Eight Till Late on his most recent effort at Clonmel.
Sent off a 6/1 chance this afternoon he was settled in mid-division by Sean Flanagan, and was seventh with a circuit to race.
He took closer order before four out and soon went second, hitting the front before two out, going on to score comfortably by fourteen lengths. Fenlon's Hill (20/1) finished second under Adam Shortt for Paul Stafford, while Kalinite (20/1) was a length back in third with Paddy Kennedy in the saddle for Jessica Harrington. Ocean Glandore (David Mullins aboard for Pat Fahy) was sent off the 5/2 favourite and he disappointingly pulled up.
Sean Flanagan said afterwards: "He did it well enough, he hasn't exactly handled the track 100 per cent but when he got to the bottom of the hill and he straightened up he raced to the top of the hill. He jumps great, he's had the experience of two runs which is a big help.
"I've ridden him here to get the trip. He has run over three (miles) a couple of times and didn't see it out. He's just a bit of a funny one. Better ground is a big help."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Ocean Glandore, trained by P.A.Fahy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
D.J. Mullins, rider of Ocean Glandore trained by P.A.Fahy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled.
B. R. Hamilton, trainer of Bertie Bell reported to the Turf Club Veterinary Officer, that his charge was found to have burst post race. This was confirmed by the Turf Club Veterinary Officer.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham