Knockbrack Rambler and Cal Shine © Photo Healy Racing
Amateur Cal Shine got some big leaps from Knockbrack Rambler down the straight to land the spoils in the 80-95 handicap hurdle at Cork.
The Brendan Walsh-trained gelding was produced to challenge three from home in the two-and-a-half mile contest and was in front going to the penultimate flight. Shana Cloon soon emerged as the danger but Knockbrack Rambler found plenty for Shine and a good jump at the last propelled the 12/1 shot to a three-parts-of-a-length success.
The Leading Light gelding was stepping back up in trip having weakened tamely over two miles at Clonmel last month. He had previously been fourth over this distance at Punchestown.
Walsh said:- "The ground isn't as deep today as it was the last day and is drying out. I walked it on Tuesday and it wasn't too deep so we took a chance.
"Cal gave him a great ride, he waited and waited and came with one run.
"His owner Vincent "Connor, from Abbeyfeale, bred him and we had the dam who won a few races and is from a good tough family.
"We'll leave him alone for a couple of weeks and go again."
(Quotes by Tom Weekes)
