Cherry toughs it out best

Further rain made testing conditions even more difficult in the Suir Blueway Handicap Hurdle, with Cute Cherry toughing it out best under Jack Kennedy.

Second on her second start at Cork in January, the Gordon Elliott trained five-year-old had been ultimately disappointing since, but wasn't beaten far when fifth on her most recent start over the course and distance last month.

Sent off an easy to back 15/2 chance this afternoon, the daughter of Fame And Glory was settled towards rear, making steady progress from three out.

She came with her challenge at the next and was soon pushed along to lead, keeping on well under pressure on the run-in, coming home two-and-a-half lengths to the good. Gali Flight (12/1) ran a fine race to take second under Jamie Hayes for Philip Fenton, while Harvey's Quay (10s early, drifted on-course from 11/4 to 4/1) was another five lengths back in third. Mrs Watson completed the places in fourth, while Definiteadare who was the 7/2 favourite, disappointingly pulled up.

"It is tough going but it really suited my one," Kennedy revealed.

"She didn't jump great the last day when I thought the ground might have been a bit quick for her. She loved that heavy ground today.

"She will definitely stay further as she has that way of going, behind-the-bridle."

The winner is a half-sister to De Rasher Counter, winner of the Ladbrokes Trophy Chase at Newbury in 2019.

STEWARDS REPORTS

B.J. Cooper, rider of Definiteadare trained by Thomas Cooper, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount stopped very quickly and pulled up thereafter.

The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Definiteadare, trained by Thomas Cooper, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes