Boss battles gamely to land hunters chase

The John Gleeson-trained Boss Robin proved very tough in a stamina-sapping contest to land the Race Displays Joseph O'Reilly Hunters Chase at Fairyhouse. Ferns Lock went off a 2/7 shot in the three-mile-one contest and popped out to make the running.

He was headed by Boss Robin four from home though and couldn't get on terms again with the eventual winner down the straight.

Both horses were tired going to the last fence with Boss Robin digging deep for Ray Barron in the closing stages to record a seven-and-a-half length success.

Barron dismounted from the winner coming back in but Gleeson revealed all was fine and it was just a precaution after a tough race.

“Ray is a horseman and just decided to hop off after racing in that ground, he's a good lad.

“That's a big win. I've nursed him along all the time and I've always said to the owners that there is a big one in him.

“I love the horse. He's worked his way up and I haven't been hard on him. I don't get horses like this, usually they are sold on.

“He's tough and we said we'd rattle yer man (Ferns Lock). I took the chance as it's only two weeks ago the other horse ran in Cheltenham, hopefully we'll be there next year.

“If the ground is okay he'll go to Punchestown for the champion hunters.”