Pairc Na Ngael and Mark Walsh (left) challenge Ran Rite at the last © Photo Healy Racing
The 3/1 favourite Pairc Na Ngael benefitted from a ‘Glenquin Castle’ type of ride from Mark Walsh to gain his first win in the Racing Again Next Thursday Handicap Steeplechase.
Walsh has won six races in a row this season on Martin Brassil’s charge who likes to be delivered late and that was also his approach on Charles Byrnes’ gelding who was travelling like a winner behind the leaders from some way out.
Walsh bided his time and his mount was almost on terms with Ran Rite when not fluent at the last but only had to be shaken up to readily go past the leader on the run-in.
Two lengths was the margin of victory, with Ran Rite (12/1) a further three lengths ahead of third home Siberian Star (10/3).
The 7-year-old by Yeats is the third winner that crack racemare Solerina has produced along with three-time scorers Jaime Sommers and Halsafari.
Frank Berry, racing manager of winning owner JP McManus, remarked: "You couldn't really trust him too much but the cheek-pieces were a help to him today.
"You'd have to say he has been very disappointing as we thought he'd win a few hurdles but it didn't happen. He got a great ride from Mark (Walsh) as there were a few times during the race when he wanted to get out of it but he kept him in it.
"We're pleased to get a win with him but with his breeding you'd expect him to be better although it is nice to come and get a win. Hopefully that will give him confidence and he might get another one somewhere."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
