Tyre Kicker delivers his challenge at the last© Photo Healy Racing
Tyre Kicker is really taking to fences and he made it two from two in the Follow Fairyhouse On Social Media Handicap Chase.
He got 9lb for winning on chasing debut at Tramore but that didn't stop him travelling like a dream throughout this extended three mile one furlong contest.
He was clearly going best on the run to the final two fences with Keith Donoghue motionless in his pursuit of long-time leader Made In The Woods
Tyre Kicker still hadn't been popped the question by Keith Donoghue as he challenged the leader at the final fence, where both horses jumped into each other, but he was quickly shaken up on the run-in and driven home by a length and three parts to justify 15/8 favouritism.
Made In The Woods ran a gallant race in second at 3/1 from double those odds in morning trading. This was the third race in a row that he took the runner-up berth. There was an 11-length gap back to Highstreetfashion in third at 11/2.
Trainer Gavin Cromwell said: “That was great, I wasn't sure if he would stay this far.
“Keith gave him a smashing ride, he rode him to get the trip and he jumped really well.
“We can certainly come back in trip with him. We'll see what the handicapper does and go for something similar again.”
Tyre Kicker won once over hurdles at Punchestown in May last year.
The Raceday Stewards interviewed P.J. O'Hanlon, rider of seventh-placed Turbojet (GB), concerning his use of the whip in the latter stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. In his evidence, P.J. O'Hanlon stated that his mount was running in snatches and was hanging before the turn into the straight but he felt at times that he might pick up a bit. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards were of the opinion that P.J. O'Hanlon was in breach of R10(3)(b) by using his whip unnecessarily when his chance of winning or being placed was clearly gone. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Raceday Stewards suspended P.J. O'Hanlon for two racedays.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
