An Fraoch Mor (nearest) and Due Reward jump the last together© Photo Healy Racing
An Fraoch Mor bounced back to form in the Shamrock Enterprises Ltd Rated Hurdle, as he battled gamely to land the spoils under Cathal Landers.
Twice successful in 2019, the Ross O'Sullivan trained eight-year-old had been disappointing of late and was last seen finishing down the field at Navan in March.
Available at 20/1 for a period this morning, the son of Mahler eventually went off a well-backed 7/1 chance in the colours of owner Tommy Ward.
In a definite lead after the first, the imposing bay was headed by Due Reward approaching two out.
Soon ridden, he battled back gamely and regained the lead on the run-in, coming home a neck to the good.
The aforementioned Due Reward (15/2) had to settle for second under Mike O'Connor for Henry de Bromhead, while Bridge Native (11/1) was two lengths back in third. Great Bear was sent off the 5/4 favourite and he finished a disappointing fifth.
Landers said in the aftermath: "It wasn't really the plan to lead. I discussed it with Ross and his owner Tommy Ward and we said we would take a lead.
"I got a lovely break and rather than pulling out of him, I just left him bowl away front as they just weren’t going quick enough to give me a lead.
"He got headed coming in but battled away hard up the straight. He had a few niggles in the past and everything came right for him today."
The Stewards interviewed C.A. Landers, rider of An Fraoch Mor, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned, who accepted that he had used whip excessively and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that C.A. Landers was in breach of Regulation 10.3(g)(frequency) and having considered his record they suspended him for three racedays.
