On The Fringe and Aine O'Connor© Photo Healy Racing
With Aine O'Connor in the plate for the first time, dual Cheltenham, Aintree and Punchestown hero On The Fringe returned to winning ways in the Join The Listowel Supporters Club Hunters Chase.
Unfortunately odds-on favourite Minella For Value pulled up quickly early on the final circuit, in a race where Don Atkinson finished up his career in the saddle.
He's been an amazingly durable competitor 'between the flags' having ridden in that sphere for 40 years.
His mount here, outsider Sandycove Island came home at the back of the seven finishers.
Over the closing couple of fences Vinnie Luck was the one to put up the sternest resistance to On The Fringe, but the winner showed that there's life there yet as he eventually scored by six lengths.
"We left the blinkers off today and claimed the 7lbs and tried everything because coming down, I realistically didn't think we had a chance with Minella For Value with the way he beat him in Killarney but he pulled up and I hope he is ok," said winning trainer Enda Bolger.
"He (On The Fringe) travelled really sweet and Aine gave him a lovely ride and got the inner the whole way around.
"The first phone call I got coming down off the stands was from Ms (Nina) Carberry so we're all delighted.
"I was just so nervous coming as I wanted him to finish in one piece but we're not going to make any decision (regarding retirement) today. He has been my best horse with what he has done."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Minella For Value, trained by Declan Queally, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race. Samples were also taken for analysis.
The Stewards granted permission for a flag start in this race, owing to the position of the start.
(TW & EM)
