R'evelyn Pleasure and Mark McDonagh win the Gearys Veterans Handicap Steeplechase © Photo Healy Racing
R'evelyn Pleasure continued a fine Limerick festival for Clare man Mark McDonagh when proving much too good for a quartet of opponents in the opening Geary's Garage Veterans Handicap Chase at the Patrickswell venue.
A five-time winner, rated in the low 130's at the height of his career, the 11-year-old had dropped to a mark of 105 in recent times.
Having shown that he still had plenty to offer when running a nice race at Thurles last time, the Sean O'Brien trained gelding built on that effort this afternoon.
Tracking leader Space Cadet going out on the final circuit, McDonagh moved through to lead at the third last fence and was never in serious danger thereafter. Fiveaftermidnight kept on best of the remainder to fill the runner-up spot but the winner had a comfortable four-and-a-quarter lengths to spare at the line.
Sean O’Brien said: “The handicapper has dropped him and given him a chance. We’ve also changed things around a bit and a big thanks goes to Ronan Barry as I use his swimming facilities at Kilbrien Equine. It helps to freshen things up as when they get older they get clever.
“I’ve also been using his brother Dave Barry’s gallop because my own got washed away with the flood.
“I told Mark to keep it simple and go the shortest way around. It’s great to have a winner for the McDonagh’s who are great supporters of mine and it’s special as this horse is part of the furniture!
“We had blinkers and cheek pieces on him as he hated getting crowded and was cowardly but he’s a different horse in a small field. When he has room and a bit of light, he enjoys himself.
“Cork was the plan, there is a race there on January 6 but it may come a bit soon. There is also a 2m6f race for amateur riders in Punchestown that he could go for either.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
