The Very Man and Sean O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
Former Gigginstown House Stud runner The Very Man (20/1) scored on his third start for the resurgent Jessica Harrington yard in the featured Grade B Navan Handicap Hurdle.
A 27K purchase back in September the Jeremy gelding bounced back after being pulled up at Leopardstown over Christmas (scoped wrong) to run out a gritty victor of this two and a half miler under a strong Sean O’Keeffe.
The Very Man was no help to O’Keeffe, going left over the final couple of hurdles, but the eight-year-old was commendably determined when the need was greatest after a last hurdle mistake to beat Palace Rock and Bread And Butter by a length and a half and a short head.
Despite a finishing position of 14th, dual Grand National hero Tiger Roll rsquo;s effort wasn’t without merit, after making a reasonable looking move from out of the back straight.
Mrs Harrington’s daughter Kate said afterwards :- “That was brilliant. He actually scoped dirty the last day, he swallowed a lump of clay and we had to wash out his throat, it was so bad.
“That was more like it and he loved that bit of nicer ground. It's great for his owners, it's Dan (Kiely's) first time owning a horse and of course Rob Kearney as well owns him.
“They should have a bit of excitement with him, we might try and line up the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham for him.
“We might give him a bit of a break now, go to Cheltenham and then go to Aintree as well.”
Meanwhile Gordon Elliott commented on Tiger Roll: "I'm delighted with that. That will really help get him fit and I liked what I saw from him leaving the back straight.
"Cheltenham is and has always been the plan. I knew he would get tired and, to be perfectly honest, I didn't think the ground was going to be as bad as it was. It was quite tacky.
"Look, overall, I was delighted with him and that is another step on the road back to Cheltenham."
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Damalisque (FR), trained by Eddie & Patrick Harty, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be distressed post race.
The Stewards interviewed A.P. Kelly, rider of Bread And Butter, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised for his actions. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that A. P. Kelly was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard the Stewards suspended A. P. Kelly for two racedays.
D.N. Russell, rider of Duffle Coat trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount was pulled up having never travelled during this race.
The Stewards interviewed P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of Palace Rock, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who accepted that he was in breach of the regulation and apologised. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were satisfied that P. J. O'Hanlon was in breach of Regulation 10.3.g, excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard the Stewards suspended P. J. O'Hanlon for two racedays.
(GC & EM)
