Glenquest (left) and Never Said That jump the last together © Photo Healy Racing
Davy Russell came in for the winning spare ride on Never Said That as he battled to victory in the Allianz Handicap Hurdle for owner, trainer Eddie Cawley.
Phillip Enright was due to partner the son of Gold Well but he picked up an injury at Clonmel yesterday.
The six-year-old gelding got off the mark at Tramore in May before disappointing on his last start at Bellewstown.
Sent off a 10/1 chance this afternoon he raced mainly in mid-division and was ridden in fourth after the third last.
He came with his challenge on the run to the last and jumped that flight in a share of the lead before keeping on best on the run-in to score by a length and three parts. Glenquest ran a fine race on his first start for Stuart Crawford, finishing second under Andrew Lynch at 14/1.
The front pair went twelve lengths clear of Down Time (14/1) in third, Andrew McNamara for John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, while Samanntom (20’s to 14’s on-course) completed the placings a further two and a half lengths back in fourth under Mark Enright for Aidan Fogarty.
The Gordon Elliott trained Tico was sent off the well-backed 9/2 joint-favourite (from 6’s) but he ran no sort of race and pulled up while the other joint-favourite was recent Wexford winner Taken Twice and he also pulled up.
Eddie Cawley commented: "It's always nice to get one at a Festival like this. With a good run we thought he might be placed.
"I thought all chance had gone when he crashed into a horse. He is best fresh and loves a bit of good ground.
"It's unfortunate for poor Phillip Enright who got a horrible fall. I made the phonecall (to book Davy Russell) and it worked out well.
"He wasn't happy that day at Bellewstown. There was firm in the ground. If you take that run out then he has good form."
STEWARDS REPORTS
B.J. Geraghty, rider of Tico, trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount never travelled.
N.P. Madden, rider of Pass The Ball trained by Niall Madden, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount hung badly.
B.T. O'Connell, rider of Taken Twice, trained by Michael J. McDonagh, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount pulled up lame.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Tico, trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Pass The Ball, trained by Niall Madden, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be clinically abnormal post race.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Taken Twice, trained by Michael J. McDonagh, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be lame post race.
The Stewards requested a report from Edward Cawley, trainer as to the apparent improvement in form of Never Said That, winner, as compared with its recent form. The trainer reported that he felt that this horse simply never let himself down on the ground at Bellewstown last time. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
