Members of the Terence O'Brien Racing Syndicate celebrate their success© Photo Healy Racing
Emancipator registered a fifth career success, as he just held off the late thrust of Positive Thinker in the Tote Always SP Or Better At Fairyhouse Handicap Chase.
Successful over flights at Gowran in September, the Terence O'Brien-trained victor could only manage fifth when sent off favourite on his most recent start at Galway.
An 11/2 chance this afternoon, the seven-year-old raced in mid-division under John Shinnick, taking closer order from five out.
Poised to challenge before two out and soon in a share of the lead, the Prince Flori chestnut was ridden and gained an outright advantage away from the last.
Michael McDonagh 's Positive Thinker threw down a strong challenge inside the final 100 yards, but to his credit the winner found more and just held on to prevail by a short head.
The runner-up was returned the 11/4 favourite under Sean O'Keeffe, while there was five-and-a-half lengths back to Where's Frankie (3/1) and Rachael Blackmore in third.
"He just needs a lead everywhere and you can only land him on the line, but I had to take it up when I did. He just kept his head in front when yer man came," Shinnick commented.
"I wanted to drop him out and get him jumping because in Galway he didn't really jump well for me. I wanted to have my own bit of space and get there on the line as best I could.
"To be fair he did relax, after he went a few furlongs he dropped it and I said 'is he going to go at all' but I didn't want to push my luck as he can grab a hold of it.
"He was very good and game in the end, he needed to be.
"It's great to get a win for them, those owners are a great bunch of lads. Only for them I wouldn't have many winners, I have won three on him now and he's a good servant. They get some kick out of it."
STEWARDS REPORT
S.F. O'Keeffe, rider of Positive Thinker, trained by Michael J. McDonagh, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was impeded at the back of the last fence. The Raceday Stewards reviewed the footage and were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
