Hgranca De Thaix (centre) stays on best to beat Dancing Jeremy (left) and Lets Go Champ© Photo Healy Racing
Owned and trained by Barry Connell, Hgranca De Thaix just got the better of the front-running Dancing Jeremy in the Follow Limerick Races On Instagram Handicap Chase.
Successful over flights at Galway in the autumn of 2022, the bay victor was a fine third on his first start over fences at Fairyhouse in October.
Again third on his handicap debut at Thurles in the race won by Dancing Jeremy, he was sent off a 7/2 chance (6s early) this afternoon.
Settled in second by Michael O'Sullivan, the Saddler Maker seven-year-old was shaken up to challenge the leader on the approach to the last and after a good scrap on the run-in, just a head separated them at the line.
The runner-up, who drifted left close home and hampered both the winner and the third, was returned a 15/8 chance under Donagh Meyler, while Lets Go Champ (11/8f) was another length-and-a-half back.
"We probably would have had a winner at Navan yesterday (De Lady In Red) who didn't deserve her fall. I fancied this fella today with a 10lb turnaround with Dancing Jeremy and a step up from two miles to 2m4f," Connell revealed.
"He was always staying on at the end of his two-mile races and I think he is a classic 2m4f horse. He has a gear, loves that ground and has had his run in a handicap.
"He was rated 121 over hurdles but he (the handicapper) gave him 127 over fences which I thought was a bit steep but he is never too far wrong and the horse has won off it, so we can't complain.
"If the rain keeps coming we could turn him out again but I don't think will be a horse for Punchestown on that ground."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident in the closing stages involving Lets Go Champ, ridden by Rachael Blackmore, placed third, Hgranca De Thaix (FR), ridden by M.J.M O'Sullivan, placed first, and Dancing Jeremy, ridden by D. Meyler, placed second, where it appeared contact may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
