Icantsay (left) jumps past Vinnie Luck at the final fence© Photo Healy Racing
Icantsay showed no ill effects from a run just 48 hours ago at Listowel when taking the J B North Kerry Tyre Centre (QR) Handicap Chase.
The Johnny Barry-ridden gelding challenged early in the straight of this three-mile stamina test, and struck the front at the final fence.
The well-backed 7/2 favourite, available at 8/1 this morning and 5/1 on track, stayed on well on the run-in to beat Vinnie Luck by five and a half lengths. Capture The Drama was another six and a half lengths back in third.
Winning trainer John Ryan said, “He’s way better over fences obviously. That wouldn’t have been the strongest handicap chase ever but it’s great to win it.
“He was only beaten a length and a half in a hurdle race here two days ago, and that would probably have taken a little of the edge off him.
“Johnny Barry gave him an absolute peach of a ride. I asked him to give him a few breathers and give him a chance. He took him right back and filled him. He was very good.”