The Declaimer leads Lake Chad over the last © Photo Healy Racing
The Holycross Handicap Hurdle went to 12/1 chance The Declaimer in the hands of Keith Donoghue.
The Arakan gelding, placed in two of his three starts in handicaps prior to this, was travelling smoothly on the heels of the leader before the home turn and picked up well to head Tuesday’s Limerick winner Lake Chad (1/1 fav) on the approach to the final flight.
He went away to beat the market leader, who was 6lb well-in under his mandatory penalty, by four and a quarter lengths with hat-trick seeker Ellaat (3/1) another three lengths back in third.
Thomas Dreaper, assistant to winning trainer Jim Dreaper, said: "He has been a consistent horse and while he isn't overly straightforward to deal with, has been shocking consistent.
"We were second reserve here for a beginners chase two weeks ago, and that was the aim with him, but then we had unseasonal weather and this came up and we said we'd have one more rattle. He isn't even clipped and is going out tomorrow.
"This day last year was the first day he showed any ability and he has come a long way in a year. He'll come back for the spring and he I'd say that'll be the last time he'll jump a hurdle for a long time.
"I'm delighted for the owner/breeders (the Newell family) who are the best in the world."
Quotes from Thomas Weekes
