Grace's patience with De Bennette bears fruit At the age of eleven De Bennette got off the mark on the racecourse proper in the Lisronagh Handicap Hurdle at Clonmel. A sister to the same owner/trainer’s good servant, De Benno, James Grace’s De Bennette won a point-to-point at Corbeagh House in November 2015. Here under in-form seven pound conditional Trevor Ryan, the daughter of Beneficial made it 14th time lucky under rules. De Bennette chased the leader through the two mile one furlong event, finding herself in second at the halfway stage, before improving to dispute the lead approaching three out. Taking the lead entering the straight, the 10/1 chance (from 12s) was ridden after two out. She kept on well from before the last to beat Working Capitol by eight lengths. From 20/1 and bigger earlier, into a returned 7/2, Mattie’s Mountain had to settle for fourth. "She gave more problems! She had a tumour on her ovary two years ago and got that out. The tumour was bigger than a football and they had never seen the like of it before. They were adamant to take our time and that it would take over 12 months," explained Grace. "I wanted to breed from her and when we went about getting her in foal, she didn't come in season and that's how she is back in training this year. "She is a full sister to De Benno so a win on the card is a big help. She is identical to De Benno as she wants soft ground. "She is well handicapped over fences and hopefully will win one of them." The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Vitudurum, trained by Joseph G. Murphy, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be coughing post race. J.W. Kennedy, rider of Vitudurum trained by Joseph G. Murphy, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung badly left before being pulled up in this race. (TW & EM)
