Decent Excuse enjoys return to chasing

The Eugene O'Sullivan-trained A Decent Excuse bounced back to form when returning to fences in the Pat Woodbyrne Memorial Handicap Chase at Tramore.

Jonathan Burke sat behind the leaders on the 8/1 shot before taking closer order at the third last.

He hit the front before the next and kept on well in the closing stages to beat long-time leader Best Value by four-and-a-half lengths.

4/1 favourite Coldstonesober failed to make much impression in fourth.

The winner had been well held on his last couple of outings over timber and was making his first start over fences since pulling up at Fairyhouse last November.

"We were a small bit disappointed with him in Roscommon as we thought he would run a bit better but chasing is his game," said O'Sullivan.

"He got a very bad cut at Listowel and it kept him out of a lot of the races he should have been in.

"We were hopeful to get into the Galway Blazers but we didn't. That's the race we wanted to go for with him as he ran very close in it last year. This was the alternative.

"I don't know where we will go with him next. Maybe Killarney or Listowel, we'll see. He loves that ground. He is very genuine but a bit lazy. "Johnny said every day he learns a bit more about him.

"His owners have been with me the longest time and it is Paddy Twomey's (one of the syndicate) 82nd birthday today so it's all worked out well."

(Quotes by Donal Murphy)