Crazywork De Vassy leads The Shepherd King over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Crazywork De Vassy got the better of 40/1 outsider The Shepherd King in the Toals Bookmakers Handicap Chase.
A good second to Pumbaa on his handicap debut over fences at Sligo in September, the Michael McDonagh trained five-year-old was sent off a 9/1 chance today.
Settled behind the leaders by Mark Enright, the son of Network came with his challenge after three out, and gained a narrow lead after the next.
The Shepherd King, who led for much of the contest, responded well to pressure on the run-in, but he couldn't get by the winner, with half a length separating them at the line.
Danny Mullins was aboard the 13yo runner-up who is trained by Keith Watson. The front two went five lengths clear of Eight Till Late who was returned the 3/1 favourite under Andrew Ring for Peter Casey.
Mark McDonagh, son of the winning trainer, said afterwards: "The horses have been healthy and hitting the crossbar in a couple of places.
"I thought the ground had gone slow, a bit against us. It probably slowed one or two of the others down as well. When he turned into the home straight, he came a bit wider and met a bit of nicer ground and that helped.
"It was typical of those 0 to 123 handicaps - any one of eight or nine could win. It's just great to get one on the board. They are competitive races.
"He is a five-year-old rising six and has a big frame and hopefully he will develop into it in time.
"When you are finishing second and third with your horses in places like Galway, Thurles and Clonmel, it is nice to get across the line.
"Five hours might become four and a half on the way home!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
A.W. Short, rider of Mount Beckham trained by Miss Clare Louise Cannon, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Mount Beckham, trained by Miss Clare Louise Cannon, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to have had blood on the nose as a result of exercise induced pulmonary haemorrhage.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
