Texas Jack (right) jumps the last with Last Instalment and Baily Green (left)© Photo Healy Racing
Texas Jack recorded his second Grade 2 victory over fences when landing the Kinloch Brae Chase, a race also notable for a promising reappearance by Last Instalment in third.
Paul Carberry delayed his challenge until the final fence which the 4/1 chance, Baily Green and the long-time absent Last Instalment jumped together.
Baily Green spoiled his chance with a mistake at that fence and Texas Jack proved the stronger on the run-in to beat that rival by three quarters of a length.
Last Instalment just faded slightly in the closing stages to finish a further half-length away in third.
Winning trainer Noel Meade said, “He jumps like a buck for Paul and it’s great to have him back on this horse. I think that is probably around his trip and I’m not sure if he gets any further.
“He's probably a horse to stay at home rather than Cheltenham. I was annoyed that I didn’t put him in the John Durkan, and he just wasn’t right around Christmas time. We freshened him up and came here.”
Carberry said, “I’m finally getting the hang of him! I’ve been there too soon on him a couple of times. He always travelled well and jumped super, it’s just that he does pull up in front."
Philip Fenton was delighted with Last instalment saying, “It was a lovely comeback. He travelled well, probably a bit fresh early on. He got a bit tight to the second last but fiddled it well.
“He just probably needed the race, blew up and there should be plenty of improvement to come. I’m over the moon and you couldn’t but take positives from the run.
“We’d like to think that he could go for the Hennessy. Tomorrow morning is crucial for him, and we’ll see how he progresses in the next ten days or so. If he tells us he’s ready for the Hennessy then that will be the next port of call.”
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
