Michael Graham
Chatham Street Lad on the right road
Chatham Street Lad touches down over the final fence
© Photo Healy Racing
Chatham Street Lad gave Mick Winters and Conor Orr a victory at Cork in the extended two mile handicap chase.
The eight-year-old gelding was noted making good headway behind the leaders racing to the second last.
His progression continued as he readily moved to the head of affairs before the final fence.
The 85/40 favourite jumped it nicely and Orr didn't have to get serious with him as he reached the winning post five lengths clear. Off You Go took minor honours at 7/1 by a head from Dakota Moirette (16/1).
"At home he is dour enough on heavy ground but he jarred himself here on the better ground last year so we were happy to run," said Winters.
"He is very consistent, he travelled fierce well for him and I'd say he won a bit snug.
"I'll leave plans up to the owners and they're having great fun with him.
"He is owned by a Mayo hotelier Vivian Healy and his brother Liam Healy, who owns a pub in Churchtown. Both are fierce supporters of racing and buy a few horses every year and Jimmy Gordon picked him out a few years ago."
This was Chatham Street Lad's fifth career success.
The Stewards interviewed Jack Brendan Foley, rider of Dakota Moirette (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards found Jack Brendan Foley in breach of Regulation 10.3.(g), excessive frequency and 10.3.(h), above shoulder height. Having considered Jack Brendan Foley's record in this regard the Stewards suspended Jack Brendan Foley for four race days.
Additional reporting by Tom Weekes