Veteran Rudy Catrail game off the front

Rudy Catrail held on under substitute jockey Shane Fenelon in the Patrick Hennigan Memorial Handicap Chase at Roscommon.

As is his wont, the 12-year-old gelding went off at a searching pace and was soon well clear over this staying test of an extended three miles.

The lead was somewhat reduced by Ennemi Public at the half-way stage and Fenelon got after his mount between the third-last and penultimate fence as the closers got interested. Tullyhogue Fort and Paul O'Neill looked the dangers and they closed at the final fence before lunging late to force a photograph with Rudy Catrail.

The game Rudy Catrail (3/1f) got the verdict by a head from the 11/2 runner-up. There was a yawning gap of 17 lengths back to third-placed Fr Gilligansvoyge (9/2 from 15/2).

Rudy Catrail has now won three over fences in addition to a couple over hurdles and two point-to-points. Fenelon has been on board for six of those victories.

Dusty Sheehy said: "He's a right old lad. Coming down in class and up in trip ticked all the boxes and he loves soft ground.

“He had come back into a little bit of placed form. The horse that was third in Killarney (Norwigi) won the race before us, so the form has stood up.

“He's getting old, he's 12, and I'd say this will be his last year. He's a good old servant and is the longest horse that's been in the yard.

“He's owned by a great bunch of owners (Well Horse Syndicate) that never hassle me. They've had loads of fund with him, he's paid them back in spades. They'll be happy men tonight, they couldn't be here but they'll be watching.”

Fenelon came in for the ride today as Gavin Brouder was stood down after a fall yesterday.

The Raceday Stewards interviewed S. Fenlon, rider of Rudy Catrail, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted he was in breach of the whip Regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that S. Fenlon was in breach of R10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record, they suspended him for four racedays.

Additional reporting by Gary Carson