From left to right; Gearoid O'Loughlin, Davy Russell and Chris Jones pictured after the success of Cedarwood Road© Photo Healy Racing
The Listed Irish Racing Writers Kingsfurze Novice Hurdle produced yet another exciting finish, with Cedarwood Rose getting up in the dying strides to deny Beacon Edge
An impressive winner of a Leopardstown maiden hurdle over Christmas, the Gearoid O'Loughlin trained victor was sent off a 7/2 chance this afternoon with Davy Russell in the saddle.
Settled behind the leaders, the son of Stowaway came with a perfectly timed challenge on the outer from the last, getting up in the shadows of the post to prevail by a neck.
Beacon Edge (9/4 into 7/4 favouritism on-course), who was beaten by a nose over the course and distance last month, had to settle for second again, with the returning Sean Flanagan aboard this one for Noel Meade.
The front pair went four and three parts of a length clear of Entoucas (9/4) in third.
O’Loughlin, who trains the winner for Chris Jones, said afterwards: "It's easy to say now but it was the right decision not to go to the Supreme with him. He's a work in progress and that is the first time that he has come off the bridle.
"I guarantee he will have learned a lot from today. He might not run again this season and it will be Punchestown if he does. He's a horse with a big future.
"Even though he's a good mover he's actually more comfortable on that ground.
"He was got ready to win a four-year-old maiden point-to-point so he has more fences jumped than anyone. He still jumps fences at home.
"He's 17 hands and we'll take our time with him. It's my first Listed winner and I’m delighted to have a horse like him.
"He has a high cruising speed and he stays really well."
O'Loughlin, who is originally from Clare, recorded his first track success in January of last year and earlier saddled Space Cadet to finish fifth in the Leinster National.
STEWARDS REPORT
The Stewards interviewed S.W. Flanagan, rider of Beacon Edge, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found S. W. Flanagan in breach of Regulation 10.3. (g) (frequency). Having considered S. W. Flanagan's record in this regard the Stewards suspended S. W. Flanagan for 2 racedays.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
