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- Gift claims hunters in style
Gary Carson
Gift claims hunters in style
Final Gift clears the last
© Photo Healy Racing
Final Gift justified good support when claiming the hunters chase at Tramore for John Costello.
The race complexion changed after the third-last fence as front-runner, and 9/4 favourite, Nevskij pulled up quickly.
Lord Heathfield and Final Gift soon duelled for the lead but the later stretched on after the second last.
'Corky' Carroll got a great leap at the final fence from the Old Vic gelding, who powered clear to the line for a 10-length success.
The 11/4 winner (9/2 in morning) had been showing progressive form 'on the track' and had run well to chase home Nevskij last time out at Cork.
“He'll go for a winners hunters chase at Down Royal or Killarney now,” revealed Costello.
The fog again made viewing conditions difficult during the race.
(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)