West Is Awake (left) jumps the last under Phillip Enright© Photo Healy Racing
On his first start since February, West Is Awake comfortably accounted for his 13 rivals in the Novibet Handicap Hurdle.
Owned and trained by Eddie Cawley and successful at Naas in March of last year, the seven-year-old gelding was sent off a 12/1 chance this afternoon.
Given a patient ride by Phillip Enright, the Fame And Glory bay made progress from four out and travelled strongly behind the leaders from early in the straight.
Sent to the front before the last, he scooted clear on the run-in and came home seven-and-a-half lengths in front of Good World (11/1) and Ricky Doyle in second.
There was another length-and-a-half back to Robyndeglory (15/2) in third, while Coventry (9/2f from 25s early) was a very disappointing eighth after coming in for strong market support.
"I thought he'd need the run but they went very slow early on and Phillip had some job to anchor him out the back as he's keen," Cawley commented.
"I couldn't believe it when they were coming down from Ballyhack and he was going well.
"He stayed that trip well and we know where we are going with him now. We'll find something similar for him down the road.
"He liked the ground which was the funny thing as we always thought he wanted nice ground."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Coventry, trained by Peter Fahey, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
