Walking On Glass, green, hunts down Blackstair Rocco at the last © Photo Healy Racing
Walking On Glass stayed on best to take the P&D Lydon Beginners Chase in Ballinrobe.
He began to made his move after the third last fence in this 2m7f test and jumped the penultimate one notably well as Oscar Academy a place in front of him in second, blundered.
He soon delivered a stern challenge to Blackstair Rocco and was almost on terms at the last. The seven-year-old gelding touched down and hit the front before sweeping home by an ever widening seven lengths at 13/2.
Blackstair Rocco had no chance with the winner once passed on the run-in and the 15/8 favourite had to settle for second. He was two and a half lengths in front of Oscar Academy (5/2).
Aidan Kelly, riding his seventh career winner, said: "He's the kind of horse you've to wait with the whole time. I'd say the last day the weight probably got the better of him in Killarney but the time I rode him in Clonmel he was second to a good horse.
"For the size of him he has a big heart and he's a real favourite in the yard. He loves coming from behind and passing a couple of horses.
"He lugged in a bit at the bottom bend, he's inclined to do that, but I got my stick into my right hand and he stayed straight after the last."
The Stewards enquired into an incident turning out of the back straight involving Captain Kangaroo ridden by Kieran Callaghan, Kingston Kid ridden by M.J.M O'Sullivan, and Walking On Glass, ridden by A.P. Kelly where it appeared that interference may have occurred. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Kieran Callaghan, stated that he got tight for room from his outside and had to stop riding. M.J.M. O'Sullivan, stated that he got tight for room when the horse on the outside tightened things up. A.P. Kelly, stated that his mount was a difficult ride and had hung inwards when under pressure. He accepted that he had caused interference, but felt that he had done all he could in the circumstances. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that A.P. Kelly was in breach of Rule 214(careless riding). Having taken his previous record in this regard into account, the Stewards suspended A.P. Kelly for one raceday.
The Stewards requested a report from Padraig Roche, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Walking On Glass, placed first, as compared with its recent form. Pascal Burke, representing the trainer, reported that Walking On Glass had disappointed previously when racing too prominent and failed to get home. He was of the opinion that a change of tactics today to a more patient ride had helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report, the Stewards noted the explanation offered. They were, however of the opinion that Padraig Roche was in breach of Rule 147(v) in that he had failed to lodge the appropriate authorisation form appointing a representative to act on his behalf and fined him €130.
Additional reporting by Mark Nunan
