Venitien De Mai leads Fenno's Storm over the last© Photo Healy Racing
Declan Queally senior and junior enjoyed a notable success as Fenno’s Storm landed the historic Tetratema Cup Hunters Chase at Gowran Park.
The well-backed 3/1 chance, as big as 13/2 earlier in the day, recorded the latest of his four point-to-point wins at Bandon just a fortnight ago but this was his first victory on the track.
The seven-year-old gelding made most of the running but appeared in trouble when headed by 7/4 favourite Venitien De Mai at the last.
However he dug deep under pressure on the run-in to get back up for a half-length success, with the pair drawing 12 lengths clear of My Murphy in third.
Winning rider Declan Queally said, “That was brilliant. He loved that 3m1f around there as he's real tough and he'll gallop forever. His jumping is still a little bit sticky and he takes a bit of riding but thankfully it paid off and I was delighted. It's a prestigious race. I won it in 2014 and it's a great race to win.
“Today was the plan for him as we knew he'd like it around here. We might look at a big staying handicap chase next autumn. He needs it bottomless but he's an ultimate stayer and gallops forever. He would go around again.
“He's a lovely horse. I'm hoping his jumping will come together a little bit better as he jumps a bit high.”
(GC & AM)
