Si C'Etait Vrai gets Fairyhouse compo Kalmann's defection (stone bruise) from the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse, saw Si C'Etait Vrai go off a 1/2 chance, and he gained a deserved victory in the hands of Bryan Cooper. A faller here at the last, over the three mile one furlong distance three weeks ago, no such misfortune befell the French-bred on this occasion. From the second last today it was just a matter of Dessie Hughes' runner safely negotiating the final fence. It proved to be no bother to the previous point-to-point and dual hurdles winner to accomplish this, and then he sauntered home by twenty lengths from Authinger. This victory, on attempt number six over the larger obstacles, prompted Hughes to say of the Gigginstown House Stud owned Cheltenham hopeful: "It was overdue. "He's a grand staying jumping horse and we like him. "He'll run in the four miler as it's a nice race for him and he should get the trip." D.N. Russell, rider of Ballybogey trained by J.J.Lambe, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount burst blood vessels in running. A. Ring, rider of Notimetoserve, trained by P.J. Rothwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount made a bad mistake at the fourth last and lost his action. The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Notimetoserve, trained by P.J. Rothwell, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal. (GC & EM)
