Waterford all the way as Chenery just holds on

Chenery just held off the late surge of Pictures Of Home in the Xenon Handicap Hurdle, with Waterford native Ian Power aboard the eight-year-old for his fellow county man Paul Kiely.

A winner of a point-to-point in 2019, the successful daughter of Court Cave was placed at Punchestown and Clonmel last year, but disappointed on her comeback run earlier this month.

Sent off at 20/1 this afternoon, she was settled in mid-division by Power, taking closer order from four out.

Pushed along to lead before the second last, she tired from the final flight and was all out close home to hold off Pictures Of Home by a diminishing half a length.

The runner-up was returned a 5/2 joint-favourite under Jack Kennedy for Ted Walsh, while the front-running Capture The Drama (40/1) was another length-and-a-quarter back in third. Rebel Ivy (25/1) completed the placings in fourth, while Kristian Goingwel who was the other joint-favourite, disappointingly pulled up.

Kiely, who had his first track success at Wexford in 2016, said afterwards: "I'm training out of Dungarvan and have a few horses mainly for point-to-points. I worked for John Kiely for years but I'm no relation.

"It probably took the run the last day to get her up to speed again and I was praying for the line to come. She deserved it as she's tough and genuine.

"My last winner on the track was Inchiquin High in a bumper. We were a long time waiting for this one but we won't complain.

"She might go to Cork in a few weeks' time, an 80-109 (rating) for qualified riders. My brother Richie owns her and won on her in a point-to-point so I'm sure he'd be anxious that she'd go there."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed J.W. Kennedy, rider of Pictures Of Home (GB), 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 the rule. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that J. W. Kennedy was in breach of regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered J. W. Kennedy's record in this regard the Stewards suspended him for two racedays.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Kristian Goingwel, trained by Oliver McKiernan, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have lost its left fore shoe but to be otherwise post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis.

J.C. Gainford, rider of Lalipour trained by Mrs Denise Foster, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle todays going and never travelled.

R. Deegan, rider of Hourie trained by L. Byrne, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped quickly.

B. Browne, rider of Kristian Goingwel trained by Oliver McKiernan, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount jumped badly and never travelled.

The Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Pictures Of Home (GB), ridden by J.W. Kennedy, placed second and Capture The Drama, ridden by P.T. Enright, placed third, where it appeared that there was contact between the two. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter the Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted

Additional reporting by Alan Magee