Its On The Line (centre) is ridden away from the last with eventual runner-up Nice To Meet in front© Photo Healy Racing
Its On The Line got up in the final strides under a strong Charlie Mullins drive to land the Glenview & Rathbarry Stud Novice Hunters Chase.
Owned and trained by Emmet Mullins, the winning son of Presenting was following-up on his success at Cork on Easter Monday.
Sent off the 11/4 favourite, the five-year-old was settled towards rear, taking closer order from four out.
He was pushed along approaching the second last and responded well to pressure, getting up close home to prevail by half-a-length. Nice To Meet (8/1), who attempted to make all, was the one just denied, while Ifeoinly (7/1) was another six lengths back in third.
"He is proving to be a revelation," the winning trainer revealed.
"I was a bit worried that tactically it turned into a sprint and we were a bit far back but he showed a great attitude.
"He is only five and could be a nice horse for hunter chasing next year. There is one open hunters chase left and I don't see any reason why he won't take up that option.
"He has beaten all the open horses that have been winning the point-to-points and, it is a dream, but you'd like to think next year he could be a Cheltenham open hunters horse and in the years to come.
"I think the extra distance over the Gold Cup trip would be in his favour and he is a Presenting who likes nice ground. It's a pipe dream at the moment but we'll live the dream."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Mr P.A. King, rider of Clonmeen trained by William P Murphy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel. This was confirmed by the I.H.R.B Veterinary Officier.
The Stewards interviewed Mr C. Mullins, rider of Its On The Line, 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 regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that Mr. C. Mullins was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency and 10.3.h, arm above shoulder height and 10.3.i,time to respond. Having considered Mr. C. Mullins' record in this regard the Stewards suspended Mr. C. Mullins for three racedays.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
