Donagh Meyler sends All Class over the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
All Class rewarded strong support with an easy victory in the extended three mile one handicap chase in Punchestown.
The six-year-old mare was making her second start for Ronan McNally and went off 13/8 favourite having been backed down at all rates from 4/1.
Front-running Rudy Catrail crashed out at the first leaving Capture The Drama in front. Laura Costello sent the 13-year-old gelding clear after the second fence and only All Class stuck with the pair in a remote second (but clear of the remainder).
The field were nearly a full fence behind the leader when he jumped five out but, at this stage, All Class travelled well and took closer order in second.
All Class was almost on terms at the next and eased into the lead after three out. She had Capture The Drama beaten turning into the straight and hit the line by an eased down 23 lengths. Capture The Drama ran an admirable race in second at 28/1.
The field gave the front pair too much rope and it was Jimli's Island who passed the post in third at 50/1, beaten over 40 lengths by the winner.
McNally said: “I was delighted with that. That's her second run for me, her first was at Gowran Park and a lot of people thought it was very disappointing but I hadn't killed her with work because she had bled in Cork.
“I thought she did everything right in Gowran, she travelled into the race nicely but got a bit tired. We thought she might have run a bit better but I was happy enough.
“I haven't killed her with work at home, just trying to keep her fresh, as we're only learning the ropes with her. She can be a wee bit tricky at home.
“We did a nice bit of work last Tuesday and came here fairly confident. If she translated her hurdles form she had 10lb up her sleeve, if she was good over a fence.
“She looked nice today but in her beginners chases she was landing on top of fences and putting holes in fences. She fell on her handicap debut over fences.
“It was just about getting around today and seeing where we were at. She did it really well but I wouldn't read too much into that race as it was a complete farce.
“The 13-year-old went off and we were probably lucky enough she went with him. If we hadn't gone with him we might have been in trouble.
“Donagh (Meyler) was on the ball and followed him while the rest of them were maybe asleep and let them go.
“I wouldn't read too much into that and I hope the handicapper isn't too hard on her.”
All Class landed a gamble for her previous trainer, David Dunne, on the Flat at Navan in March.
The Stewards enquired into the circumstances which led to It's Only A Number ridden by Cian Cullinan, unplaced, I'm Not Alone ridden by R.A. Doyle, unplaced, Henry Brown ridden by B.J. Cooper, unplaced, Jimli's Island (GB), ridden by Derek McGrath, placed third, Wake Up Early ridden by S.D. Torrens, unplaced, Laughing Trix ridden by P.J. O'Hanlon, faller, Warreedy ridden by P.T. Enright, unplaced, Brandy Harbour (GB), ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, placed fourth, Turndownthevolume ridden by D.E. Mullins, unplaced, Go All The Way (GB), ridden by L.P. Dempsey, unplaced, Enduring Love ridden by D.F. O'Regan, placed sixth and Four Country Roads ridden by P.J. Carberry, placed fifth, allowing the two front runners a generous lead. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. D. F. O'Regan stated that there was a cavalry charge to the first when all horses were going too quick and the early complexion of the race was dramatically altered with the fallers at the first and the front runners were further set alight by the loose horses. This opinion was confirmed by the other riders who all felt that they jumped off together and were racing with the leaders but it was the fallers that pulled the race apart. P. T. Enright confirmed his report that his mount never travelled. D. E. Mullins confirmed his report that his mount was flat out all the way and added that the early pace was very strong for this grade. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanations given.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
