Green and white silks Donagh Meyler on the way to victory aboard Mitebeall Forluck© Photo Healy Racing
Arthur Moore's Mitebeall Forluck came back to his best to bag a fourth career success, under Donagh Meyler, in the Dr E F Logan OBE Memorial Handicap Chase at Downpatrick.
This extended two and a quarter miler was expected to be dominated by those prominent in the betting, such as Myles Ahead and Meldrum Lad
However the former went early on the final circuit, and Meldrum Lad could do no more over the final couple of fences, eventually fading to be fifth of the seven finishers.
At the finish the patiently-ridden Mitebeall Forluck (8/1) got the better of House Limit by a length and a quarter. Tisamystery wasn't helped by a mistake three out and he was half a length back in third.
"Once he jumped the last two I knew he had enough. I didn't want to hit the front too soon. Arthur was confident enough. He didn't get his own way the last day and was a bit keen so we tried something different," commented Meyler.
The Stewards requested a report from A.L.T.Moore, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Mitebeall Forluck (GB), placed first, as compared with its recent form. John Daniel Moore, authorised representative, stated that this horse ran too keen in Kilbeggan last time and settled better today. He also stated that he's an inconsistent sort. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(MG & EM)
