The Real Article (Barry Geraghty) in winning action at Listowel© Photo Healy Racing
< Darwins Fox proved a class apart from his rivals in the Kilbegnet EBF Novice Chase at Roscommon.
The Grade Three lost a little bit of lustre with the withdrawal of The Real Article, but he would have had to have been at the top of his game to contend with Henry de Bromhead's winner.
The 9-4 joint-favourite was still on the bridle when hitting the front two out and didn't have to come out of third gear to cross the line 13 lengths ahead of Cootamundra < Gudnis Gracious Me (14-1) doesn't have many miles on the clock over fences and collared The Lady Granuaile at the last in the Roscommon On-Course Vets Handicap Chase before staying on for a half-length call.< Sir Vincent (7-2) banished a Listowel tumble to the memory by taking the Boyle Beginners Chase, while experience told in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Maiden as Intensical made it third-time lucky.
Jim Bolger's 4-1 chance had been found wanting in Group Three and Listed company but showed his appreciation for the drop in class by just holding the late thrusts of newcomer Vector Force and market leader John Constable
Bolger looked like following up when Miss Ekaterina shot clear at the top of the straight in the Athlone Apprentice Handicap, but she was caught in the final furlong by 5-2 market leader Wyoyo < Captain Cullen (14-1) rediscovered his sparkle for Gerry and Colin Keane in the Follow Roscommon On Facebook Handicap.< Toccata Blue and He's Got Rhythm looked like fighting it out when taking the lead off Harpist but Captain Cullen shot between them and scored by half a length.< Timikar (7-1) hadn't been seen for the best part of a year but that mattered little as he careered three and a quarter lengths clear of Cape Glory in the www.roscommonracecourse.ie Maiden.
