Snugsborough Benny and Denis O'Regan © Photo Healy Racing
Snugsborough Benny ran out an easy winner of the rated chase at Fairyhouse this afternoon, justifying good support in the two-mile seven-furlong contest.
Liam Cusack 's charge was backed from 11/4 this morning and went to post the 11/8 favourite.
Denis O'Regan produced him to challenge two from home and he cruised into the lead before the final fence.
The Beneficial gelding didn't need to engage top gear on the run-in as he coasted to a six length success over long-time leader Call It Magic
Snugsborough Benny had unseated in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown last time out. He won the Galway Blazers last summer.
Cusack said:- “I was delighted with him. The race panned out nicely as they went an honest pace and he settled in lovely. He jumped well and was able to gain ground in the air.
“It helped when the Gigginstown horse was withdrawn.
“I felt I had him in great nick in the Paddy Power and it didn’t work out. It’s great to come back and get a bit of confidence again, for me and the horse!
“That’s a nice pot to win. There is a good novice handicap at the Punchestown Festival over three miles and the Irish National is possible — we have the price of an entry today.
“He wouldn’t want the ground any quicker, and he handled soft ground in Galway. He probably doesn’t want extremes.” Nick Lost was withdrawn from the race after unshipping Rachael Blackmore on the way to the start and running loose. It led to a 30 cent deduction in bets struck before the withdrawal.
(Quotes by Alan Magee)
