De Benno and Cathal Landers pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
After winning the previous race on Allez Kal Cathal Landers recorded the first double of his career (came in at 89/1), as he partnered De Benno to victory in the feature at Limerick this afternoon, the Tim Duggan Memorial Handicap Chase.
The twelve-year-old son of Beneficial certainly wasn't winning out of turn, having finished second in valuable contests at Cork and Fairyhouse on his last two starts.
Sent off an 11/1 chance for this Grade B contest, the grey gelding made all in the colours of owner/trainer James Grace.
He made a mistake three out, but quickly regained his composure, keeping on well in the straight to score comfortably by five lengths. Sumos Novios finished second under Richie Harding for Liam Burke at 6/1, while Goulane Davina (16/1) was another six lengths back in third, with David Splaine in the saddle for Seamus Spillane. Fine Theatre (from 6s on-course) and The West's Awake were sent off the 9/2 joint-favourites, and they finished fourth and fifth respectively.
Grace said afterwards: "The ground really suited him and he had a light weight on his back and Cathal gave him a super ride.
"He's getting better as he is getting older; every other year he'd go wrong and he's had an awful lot of problems but touch wood he seems to be tipping away recently. He's had no problems this year and every other year he had problems with his legs and back.
"He could go for the Dan Moore Chase in January next - it depends on what the handicapper does to him though. He'll probably run if he gets into the handicap.
"We could also give him a run in a hurdle race as he's rated much lower over hurdles..
"That's my first Graded win as a trainer but I've had some good winners trained by Noel Meade. I've four horses in training and it's a hobby, but it's still nice to make a few quid out of it!"
STEWARDS REPORTS
P.T. Enright, rider of Toon River trained by John J. Walsh, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount never travelled and was pulled up.
The Stewards interviewed John Queally, trainer, in relation to the late arrival of his charge, Uncle Danny into the parade ring for this race. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned,who stated that his rider was late weighing out. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered and took no further action. The Stewards subsequently interviewed D.E. Mullins, rider of Uncle Danny, and reminded him of his responsibilities to weigh out in good time.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
