Carrigeen Acebo with Dick and Liz Lalor© Photo Healy Racing
The Dick Lalor-trained Carrigeen Acebo caused a 50/1 shock when eventually claiming the spoils after an incident packed mares novice chase at Thurles.
The three-mile contest opened up somewhat after even-money favourite Daisy's Gift crashed out at the last with a circuit to run. Twiss's Hill took them along and travelled best into the straight. She looked to have things wrapped up two from home when nearest pursuer Girly Girl crashed out.
Eamonn Corbett's mount was well clear going to the last and only had to jump it to win but failed to rise when asked for an effort at the final fence and made her exit. Misty Lady was then presented with the lead but she tired on the run-in and was tackled by Carrigeen Acebo who stayed on best close home to get up for a length-and-three-quarters win under Liz Lalor.
The winner, formerly a prolific point-to-pointer, had been under pressure in a moderate fourth entering the straight.
"It was survival of the whatever!
"She stays well and is just a funny mare. She jumped and kept going and really she is a staying handicap chaser in long distance races, on that ground. She isn't blessed with speed but stays forever and that ground slows down the others.
"You'd never run a horse if you didn't hope but I was worried about Willie's mare (Daisy's Gift) who ran so well here the last day. The sire Indian River is doing well and she is a sister to Chicago Grey."
(Quotes by Thomas Weekes)
