Tom Cooper and Robbie Power after the victory of Eightybarackstreet© Photo Healy Racing
On his second start over fences Eightybarackstreet got off the mark as he took the 26th July Twilight Racing Beginners Chase for his trainer Tom Cooper with Robbie Power in the saddle.
The Nicholas Hartery owned gelding finished third on his chasing debut last time out at Clonmel, well behind runaway winner Dazzling Susie.
The 6yo son of King's Theatre (second winner of the day for that sire after The Folkes Choice was well supported from his morning price of 6/1 and was sent to post at just 4/1.
He hit the front at the second last and kept on well from there to hold off the rallying challenge of Lord Ben (5/1) under Davy Russell by a length. Sicilian Secret was sent off the 13/8 favourite for Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins but he could only manage third a further six lengths behind.
Winning trainer Tom Cooper said afterwards: "He learned from the experience at Clonmel where he came up against a very good mare (Dazzling Susie).
"I always knew he would be a better chaser than hurdler and he is a super leaper.
He will go for the novice chase on the Thursday of the Galway Festival now.
"It’s grand and safe ground and that was a pretty good beginners chase for this time of the year."
(On-course reporting by Alan Magee)
