Cluan charts wide course to victory

Danny Mullins charted a wide course to land the spoils on 28/1 shot Cluan Dara in the two-mile handicap chase at Clonmel.

John Ryan 's charge was held up, out on the fresh ground all the way around, and travelled well to pick up the running going to the second last.

His task was made easier by the exit of nearest pursuer Western Boy there while Ellipsism a close third at the time, also made a bad mistake.

Cluan Dara kicked clear before the final fence and went on to post a cosy seven-length verdict over fellow outsider Backintheboom (50/1).

The winner had made little impression when a well-beaten eighth on his most recent outing at Down Royal having been pulled up on his two previous runs.

Ryan said:- “He was second to Samcro in a bumper and won a Fairyhouse maiden hurdle.

“Danny gave him a peach of a ride and I’d say there is better ground out wide. He’s really a summer horse.

“He’s a brilliant jumper but is the biggest underachiever that I’ve had. I thought he’d be a 120 or 130 horse and he won off 84 today.

“He did get a bad tendon issue and was off over a year. He’s probably only getting back on his feet now.

“Danny is the key and knows my horses so well. I said to Danny at the start of the season that he would have to ride ten winners for me to be a reasonable success and that’s his eighth so he needs two more before the start of May!

“We’re great pals and it’s great to have him riding for me.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)