Elegant Statesman and Mark Walsh clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Download The At The Races App Rated Chase proved something of a benefit for trainer Henry de Bromhead as he saddled a 1-2 at Clonmel led home by Elegant Statesman
Stable-companion Never Complain set the pace in this two and a half miles event, and still held the call approaching the penultimate fence.
However Andrew Lynch's mount met the fence wrong giving the initiative to Elegant Statesman.
The J P McManus-owned gelding took full advantage, and the easy-to-back 9/2 chance kept on well on the run-in for Mark Walsh to score by two and a half lengths. Kilcrea was a further eight and a half lengths away in third.
De Bromhead said, "I'm delighted with that as he was very disappointing the last day. It was a bit less competitive today and it suited him and Mark gave him a super ride.
"The other horse (stablemate Never Complain) making the mistake two out also helped him. I don't think he wants it a whole lot softer than that and I'll speak to Frank (Berry, J.P. McManus' racing manager) about plans."
Regarding his runner-up Never Complain, he added "He ran well but made that silly mistake at the second last. He lost his momentum and faced an uphill battle after that. It is frustrating for him to finish second again to Elegant Statesman!"
It proved a race to forget for Barry Geraghty, who not only missed out on the winner by riding McManus' Fever Pitch instead but also picked up a two days suspension.
Full text of Turf Club enquiry below:
The Stewards interviewed B.J. Geraghty, rider, in relation to his riding in the straight. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that his mount was having his first run back after a wind operation and was ridden to get home. He added that his charge was outpaced, pushed along throughout and ridden out hands and heals after the last fence, without resorting to the whip.
He concluded by saying that he was beaten a short head for fourth place and was satisfied that he achieved his best possible place. Following the running of the race Fever Pitch was examined by the Turf Club Veterinary Officer at the request of the Stewards and was found to be post race normal.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Rule 212, having failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to achieve his best possible place and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days and ordered that he forfeit his riding fee.
(TW & AM)
