Forever Gold (left) jumps the last alongside Russian Bill© Photo Healy Racing
Forever Gold came out on top in the twenty-one runner Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier), scoring under Chris Timmons for owner, trainer, breeder Eddie Cawley.
Second in the Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse on his last start, the eight-year-old son of Gold Well was sent off a 16/1 chance today.
Having raced mainly in second he was pushed along to lead entering the straight. He was soon challenged by Russian Bill but he pulled out more on the run-in to score by a length and a half.
Russian Bill (14/1 last night and from 8's to 7's on-course) had to settle for second under Jonathan Moore for Noel Meade, while Woodford Island (14/1) was a further four and three parts of a length back in third under Luke Dempsey for Gordon Elliott. Mall Dini (8/1) completed the placings three parts of a length away in fourth under Davy Russell for Pat Kelly. Roll It Out was sent off the 7/2 favourite (from 5's on-course) and he finished a disappointing tenth under Jack Kennedy for Gordon Elliott.
Eddie Cawley said afterwards: "He's a dour stayer. That's what he is.
"I ran him in the Porterstown and was thinking 'will he get the trip'. I thought he should and he got it very well I thought.
"Had they raced a bit stronger then I think he might have collected. They only went a hack and he tanked along.
"He had a great weight today and got a great ride from Chris. Staying won it for him. We thought all along he could win a half decent race and he's been knocking on the door.
"I'll probably go back chasing with him. I had picked out the Grand National trial at Punchestown at the end of January.
"He's not a good traveller so for that reason we'll avoid going over the water.
"He's probably not high enough to get into Irish National but I see him going for it some day."
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
