Captains in control in novice handicap

Captains Nephew flew the last fence to run out an impressive winner of the novice handicap chase at Clonmel for trainer Philip Rothwell.

Darragh O'Keeffe tracked the front-running Kilashee in the two-mile-one contest before letting his mount jump to the front at the penultimate fence.

The 3/1 joint favourite asserted before the last and produced a fine leap there as he went on to record a seven-length success.

Captains Nephew was making his first start in handicap company over fences this afternoon. He had won a maiden hurdle at the venue back in February.

"He won on heavy ground here last season and maybe was disappointing afterwards,” said Rothwell.

“He ran very nice races in two novice chases which have worked out really well this year and while I hoped he run well in a Listed hurdle at Down Royal, he ran no race. I had a horse that disappointed the same day though which left me scratching my head for a day or two.

"Alan Hutson, who looks after him at home, does a brilliant job and said he felt great during the week. I was doubting it and was wondering was today coming too soon after Down Royal but I trust my staff at home and Alan was happy with him.

"Hurdles weren't his thing and you'd love to think he could progress over fences. I'll stick with the novice handicap chase road as he isn't up to graded class but there is great prize-money for him. We'll see where it brings us."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)