Tennessee Wildcat (noseband) stays on best to beat Sir Edward Landseer © Photo Healy Racing
Tennessee Wildcat recorded his first win in over two years, as he just prevailed in the concluding Golf Societies Welcome Race.
A three time winner in 2015, the Ger Lyons trained gelding failed to get his head in front last season, but ran some big races in defeat, going down by just a head in a valuable handicap at Leopardstown last July.
Ninth of fifteen on his return to action at Naas last month, the son of Kheleyf was backed from 7/2 to 11/4 on-course this afternoon.
Settled in rear by Colin Keane, the Sean Jones owned seven-year-old was switched to the outer from the two furlong pole.
He was then pushed along in pursuit of the leaders, getting up in the closing stages to prevail by a short head.
Sir Edward Landseer (5/1) was the one just denied, and he had to settle for second under Ana O'Brien for her father Aidan. Titus was sent off 13/8 favourite and he was eased from the two furlong pole, eventually finishing last under Pat Smullen for Dermot Weld.
Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said afterwards: "He's a 100 rated horse that is stuck between a rock and a hard place but it was a nice race for him and he was the top rated horse.
"He wants quick ground and we were a bit worried as it was a bit patchy and was good ground in the straight and good ground is a bit dead for him.
"Colin gave him a great ride and knows he doesn't go for the stick so didn't resort to it and had the confidence not to use it even in a tight finish. The horse answered his call without the stick.
"He'll find it hard now as he needs fast ground but is Listed class over 1m 2f but we'll look for those type of races.
"That was a bonus after a frustrating week."
STEWARDS REPORT
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Titus (GB), trained by D. K. Weld, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
