Zero drama for Black in eventful contest

The Michael McDonagh-trained Black Zero emerged on top after an eventful Thurles Vintners Handicap Chase at Thurles.

Plenty were in with chances turning for home in the two-and-a-half mile contest but there was drama at the second last. Attalco jumped left at the fence, bringing down Bilbo Bagins and badly hampering 5/4 favourite Artic Pearl who unshipped Paul Townend (enduring a trying afternoon having failed to complete in the first three races).

The front-runner Angus Milan was claimed by Black Zero going to the last where Concordin who was coming to challenge, crashed out.

Cathal Landers kept Black Zero going on the run-in, as Angus Milan tried to rally, and secured a three-parts-of-a-length success on the 4/1 shot.

Thankfully all horses and riders were reported up on their feet afterwards.

The winner had finished fourth behind Sunsetstorise at Navan yesterday and Mark McDonagh, son of the trainer, said afterwards:-

"We were disappointed yesterday as he didn't jump or travel but pulled out ok this morning and we said we'd let him take a chance as the ground is probably going to go against us shortly and he'll be out in a field shortly.

"He is genuine and always tries his best and we were very lucky today as there were fallers at the second last and at the last. We all need a bit of luck though.

"He's been a great servant and has been placed in graded races and has been a shade unlucky not to have picked up one and if every horse did that, you'd be delighted."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)