Gimli's Rock (green & red) stays on strongest to score from Rockshandy (red cap) and Ainm Spartacus© Photo Healy Racing
Classy hurdler Gimli's Rock stayed on best after the last to score on his chasing debut in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase for his trainer Jessica Harrington with Tommy Treacy in the saddle. Rockshandy (4/1) under Moira McElligott for Patrick Neville put in a brave effort attempting to make all, however he was just run out of it close home by the winner going down by three parts of a length at the line. Ainm Spartacus ran well to finish a further three parts of a length back in third for Kieran Purcell and John Cullen at 12/1 while the gamble of the race Persian Gayle (13/2 this morning and 7/2 into 2/1 favourite on track) for John Joe Walsh and Tom Doyle could only manage a disappointing ninth.
9/2 chance Big Eared Fran for Edward O’Grady and Barry Geraghty crashed out at the second last when still in with every chance.
The winner, who is a Grade 2 winning hurdler, has now won on the level, over hurdles and over fences.
Just like the previous winner See Double You Gimli’s Rock was friendless in the market and having been as short as 15/8 this morning the 6yo son of Rock Of Gibraltar was returned at 5/1.
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington wasn’t present.
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