Slieve Carran flies the last under Simon Torrens© Photo Healy Racing
Slieve Carran put in a career best performance as he easily accounted for 15 rivals in the William Hill Extra Places Daily Handicap Hurdle.
The winner of a point-to-point at Quakerstown when in the care of John Staunton and placed in a bumper last season, he pulled up early on his handicap debut on his most recent start at Ballinrobe.
Available at 20s in early shows for this two and three quarters of a mile contest, the Pat Foley-trained five-year-old came in for support and was returned at 12/1.
Settled behind the leaders by Simon Torrens, he travelled strongly to lead after two out and soon surged clear, keeping up the gallop on the run-in to register an easy success.
There was seven and a half lengths back to Sundial (18/1) who came from off the pace to take second, with Sammy Smart (16/1) and Folly Beach (13/2) in third and fourth respectively.
Returned the 11/2 favourite (from 12s early), Mister Beeton finished a disappointing twelfth.
"He was good today and it’s the first day everything has fallen into place for him," Foley, who trains the winner for Leo and Liz McCormack, commented.
"His work has always been good, but he struck into himself twice over hurdles.
"He does it a stride after he jumps. He jumps so well he's that athletic.
"Michael (O’Sullivan) had to pull him up at Ballinrobe and we had to go straight from there to Fethard Equine with him. The scans came back clean, but he had a fair size of a cut.
"We put different boots on him today hoping that would help him and he didn’t miss a beat.
"It's the first time that he’s run like he works.
"He wouldn't want the ground any drier than that. He'll go on softer ground and will stay in over the winter.
"The handicapper probably won't be that easy on him, but he'll go for another handicap, anything from two and a half to three miles."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards fined Thomas Gibney, trainer, E65 for failing to fit the declared tongue strap to Story Rory prior to entering the parade ring.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Mister Beeton, trained by Shane Nolan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
P.T. Enright, rider of Its Not Over Yet trained by Oliver McKiernan, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the third last.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into the running and riding of Sundial, ridden by M.P. Walsh, and trained by Padraig Roche. Evidence was heard from the rider and trainer concerned. M.P. Walsh stated that his instructions were to settle in mid division, get his mount jumping and do the best he could. He further added that he raced behind the favourite, had to pull out after the fourth last when he was met with interference and stayed on one paced past tired horses in the closing stages. Padraig Roche confirmed the instructions given and expressed his satisfaction with the ride. The Raceday Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer who stated that the animal was post race normal. Samples were taken for further analysis. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards noted the explanations offered.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
