Rainbow Trial is ridden out by Josh Williamson© Photo Healy Racing
Rainbow Trail aptly claimed the finale under a rainbow at Clonmel this afternoon, completing a treble for Gordon Elliott in the Watch Racing TV Free For 31 Days INH Flat Race.
Beaten by just half-a-length on his sole point-to-point start at Corbeagh House last December, the Davidoff five-year-old was subsequently sold for 220,000 pounds.
As short as 15/8 in early shows for this two-mile contest, the Gigginstown House Stud owned five-year-old eventually went off an easy-to-back 4/1 chance (touched 5s).
Settled behind the leaders by Josh Williamson, who was registering his second career success, the bay victor was pushed along from the two-furlong pole and soon got to the front, keeping on well in the closing stages to score by a length-and-three-quarters.
The easy-to-back Workinonadream (33/1 from 11/2 early) filled the runner-up spot under Finn Buckley for John McConnell, while the well-supported The Story So Far (10/3 from 14s early) was another two-and-a-quarter lengths back in third.
Returned the 4/6 favourite, Foreverwalking faded tamely approaching the straight and was eventually pulled up by Patrick Mullins.
"He did it really well, the ground took a bit of getting and while he never really travelled for me, when I gave him a squeeze before the two (furlong pole), he took off. That was very impressive in that ground," Williamson reflected.
"He is a nice horse going forward. I'm not sure what the lads want to do with him but whatever they decide, he won't have a problem doing it."
Elliott was earlier on the mark with Farren Glory in the opener and Stuzzikini in the third.
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Foreverwalking, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have made an abnormal respiratory noise post race.
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident travelling down the hill on the first circuit involving Rainbow Trail (FR), ridden by Mr J.H. Williamson, The Night Agent ridden by Mr J.L. Gleeson, and Workinonadream, ridden by Mr F.R. Buckley, where it appeared that slight interference may have occurred. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
Mr P.W. Mullins, rider of Foreverwalking, trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a noise in running.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
