The Inistioge Beginners Chase at Gowran today will be remembered as one of the more incident-packed races of the season with victory in the end going to the Shark Hanlon trained Misala

Ridden by Andrew McNamara, Misala (1/1 favourite) dropped off the leaders from four out and looked to have plenty of work to do when disputing a distant third entering the straight.

However, clear leader Jakros and second placed Island Oscar both fell independently at the first fence in the straight, the third last. Eventual runner-up Sizing Santiago avoided both fallers but Misala, who shyed away from a loose horse, was fortunate not to unseat McNamara at the obstacle.

Misala did shake off the challenge of Sizing Santiago from two out before running out the fortunate seven lengths winner.

Afterwards winning trainer Hanlon joked “when your luck is in, it’s in! Misala jumped great the last day but didn’t jump at all today. He made a mistake at an early fence and he got a bit of a fright at another fence when another horse made a mistake.”

“The win puts me in front in the trainers’ championship – its good to be in front for one day anyway!”

Thomas Weekes