Dorans Pride maintained a remarkable sequence at Clonmel this afternoon when registering his fourth successive victory in the Morris Oil Chase for trainer Michael Hourigan.
Turning out for the third time in as many weeks, the 11-year-old justified odds-on favouritism in workmanlike fashion under the trainer`s son Paul to push his career earnings above the £700,000 mark.
Miles Byrne set a decent pace in heavy ground and was still in front although being shadowed by the favourite on the downhill run to the second-last fence.
Turning into the straight, Dorans Pride responded to his rider`s urgings to go to the front at the second-last with second favourite Slaney Native looking held and 25-1 chance Clash of the Gales stalking them.
Dorans Pride made no mistake at the last and although Kieran Gaule roused Clash of the Gales on the climb to the post the favourite got home by two and a half lengths to delight trainer Hourigan and owner Tom Doran.
Connections will wait to see how the 11-year-old recovers from his exertions before deciding on his next target.
'We`ll see how he comes out of the race and decide during the week,' said Hourigan.
'He`s had three quick runs but there is a possibility that we might bring him out again soon, we`ll see how he is.'
