Ewing shines on Clonmoyle

The restricted beginners’ chase produced an exciting finish as Sam Ewing forced Clonmoyle up in the final stride to thwart Lake Chad by a head.

The daughter of Shirocco needed plenty of driving on the way around after coming off the bridle at an early stage.

She got into contention on the run to two out and just found a bit extra to catch Lake Chad on the run-in. The 6/4 favourite Yabo wasn’t foot perfect over the obstacles and finished a further three lengths back in third.

The 11/1 winner (from 25s this morning) had placed form over hurdles and found this company more conducive than when outclassed in a Listed chase at Fairyhouse last weekend.

Ewing was deputising for Kevin Sexton after the latter had a fall at Aintree on Saturday.

Winning trainer Peter Fahey said: “Aidan Fitzgerald had her point-to-pointing and she was very consistent. She’s not the quickest in the world and she ran in a very competitive chase the last day with the plan of coming back here.

“I’m delighted. The syndicate (Sport Racing Club) have leased the horse from the breeder (Seamus McKeogh).

“Sam was brilliant on her. She’ll tip away over fences for the summer and will go back over hurdles as well.”

Quotes from Alan Magee