De Dodger makes no mistake at the last this time and goes on to win under Aine O'Connor from Island Peak back in second© Photo Healy Racing
After unseating at the last when looking the likely winner at Clonmel on his penultimate start De Dodger (9/2 fav) made up for that misfortune by taking the Corkracecourse.ie Qualified Riders Beginners Steeplechase under Aine O’Connor for trainer Seamus Braddish.
The 9yo son of Flemensfirth had just gained a marginally lead over Ross Na Righ at Clonmel last month but made a mistake at the last and unseated Aine O’Connor.
He since ran in a handicap hurdle at Limerick where he finished down the field.
Having just his second start over fences on the racecourse today, he settled in mid-division early on before making progress into third as they entered the straight.
He was second at the third last before he was ridden to lead after the second last. He stayed on well from the last going on to score by five lengths. Island Peak finished second under Declan Collins for Mikey O'Connor at 5/1 while Steady Ed was a further thirteen lengths back in third at 12/1 for John Joe Walsh.
Winning trainer Seamus Braddish said afterwards: "My son James owns him. We have waited a while for it but he has been a good honest horse and a great servant.
"He has been unlucky on one or two occasions but we knew the day would come it was only when.
"Aine gave him a brilliant ride, she rides him out every day and he goes very well for her.
"I’m not sure what we will do with him now we may give him a break but we will decide later in the month." (DM & AM)
