Shane Fitzgerald © Photo Healy Racing
Shane Fitzgerald rode out his claim aboard 13/8 favourite Bal Kauto in the concluding Clonmel Show Sunday July 2nd Handicap Chase.
Successful in a handicap hurdle on his second start for Declan Queally at Limerick last month, the well-bred six-year-old was expected to follow-up this evening on what was his racecourse debut over the larger obstacles.
Given a confident ride by Fitzgerald, the French bred gelding raced in mid-division before taking closer order from three out.
He travelled best on the approach to the next and was soon left in front, comfortably holding off the late surge of Rule Of June by half-a-length.
The runner-up was returned a 7/1 chance under Liam McKenna, while Drimsree Lad (10/1) was another length-and-three-parts back in third.
The well-supported Rudy Catrail (9/2 from 7s early) was under pressure but still in a share of the lead when falling two fences from home.
"I was worried beforehand because he hadn't ran in a chase," Queally junior revealed.
"He had run in a point-to-point which was a plus and Shane had schooled him last week and was delighted with him.
"I was still doubting though as he isn't over-big, and asked Shane to school him again yesterday and he said he was brilliant.
"I was worried that if he made an early mistake against seasoned horses today, it would be daunting for him but thankfully it paid off.
"He is owned by a great bunch of lads (Man About Dog Syndicate) including my brother Louis and all the owners in the yard own him. They are all from Knockraha and Watergrasshill and that's where a lot of my owners are from.
"That's Shane's claim gone now (his 60th winner) and I'm delighted for him as he is a good lad and does a lot of schooling for me."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards fined John Patrick Ryan, trainer E65 for failing fit the declared blinkers to Cluan Dara prior to entering the parade ring.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer reported to the Raceday Stewards that Cornhill Lass trained by E.Sheehy was noted to have blood at both nostrils post race.
R.J. Condon, rider of Cornhill Lass, trained by E.Sheehy, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount burst a blood vessel.
S. O'Callaghan, rider of Repeat That trained by Michael Butler, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was hampered by a faller at the second last fence.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
