Forza Milan (number 7, with Kevin Brouder up, white and red)© Photo Healy Racing
On his twelfth go Forza Milan put a first success over fences on the board in today’s Cavalor Equine Nutrition Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.
You couldn’t take your eyes off this extended two mile five contest late on as Antey was still in there pitching under Danny Mullins when making a mistake and unseating two out.
It seemed to be which of the Gigginstown House Stud pair would win then, as Eleazar Des Neiges and Coko Beach battled it out.
The James Nash-trained and Kevin Brouder-ridden Forza Milan was chasing, well off the pace in the straight, but the nine-year-old stays a lot further than this and he closed in from before the last.
The 11/4 second favourite led in the closing stages to beat Eleazar Des Neiges (5/1) and Coko Beach (13/8 market-leader) by three parts of a length and half a length.
Forza Milan finished second in this event last year behind subsequent Paddy Power Chase hero Castlebawn West.
“He deserved to win something,” said Nash.
“Looking at him there, I didn't think he was that slow, but he definitely wants trips. He just barely got away with today.
“Kevin said he was flat out for the last mile but he just kept galloping the same pace and jumped well when it mattered.
“He's after winning and being placed here a couple of times so I suppose the Irish National is going to be his aim.
“He ran so well in the Porterstown so it's the obvious thing to do. Another mile, when they'll be going a stride slower, will suit him.
“Kevin gave him a very good ride there. I'm delighted for the owners and the horse.
“I had the Kim Muir in my head, because he's well handicapped in England, but I wonder is he too slow looking at him there.
“He was placed in the 'four-miler' last year and maybe we'll go back for that.
“If he doesn't go to Cheltenham we could look at a national trial.”
(GC & EM)
