Exhibition shortens up for big race success after winning chase debut

Grade One winning novice hurdler and Cheltenham second placer Latest Exhibition made a pleasing start over fences to justify 6/5 favouritism in the Bet 10 Get 10 BETDAQ Virtuals Beginners Chase at Punchestown.

Paddy Power go 10/1 from 14/1 about Paul Nolan’s stable star for the RSA Chase but this chasing debut wasn’t completely without flaw.

Bryan Cooper ’s mount made a mistake at the second, and jumped a little to the left at times early, including when bumping with disappointing market rival Longhouse Poet (eventually finished 6th) at the fifth.

However the majority of observers will have been taken with how the successful Oscar gelding improved with his fencing through the extended two and three quarter miler. School Boy Hours was impeded by Latest Exhibition on the run-in and two lengths eventually split them. There was no alteration after a steward’s enquiry.

"I'm relieved. It's our best horse and I wasn't nervous about winning I was nervous about a clean safe round of jumping," said Nolan's brother James.

"Bryan had been thrilled with his schooling at home and said he jumps like a two-miler and is very fast through the air. It didn't suit early in the race that it was a bit like a handicap and Bryan just started schooling him then.

"He was delighted with him thereafter and to be honest if he went around with an ass he'd only just do that and only does what he has to.

"We'll be trying to avoid Envoi Allen and he might come back here in 18 days time for the Florida Pearl Chase. We'll see what happens with Envoi Allen first of all along with the other good novices."

The Stewards enquired into possible interference in the closing stages involving Latest Exhibition, ridden by B.J. Cooper, placed first, Opposites Attract ridden by C.D. Maxwell, placed third and School Boy Hours, ridden by M.P. Walsh, placed second, where it appeared interference had occurred.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards made no alteration to the Judge's placings.

The Stewards were, however, satisfied that B.J. Cooper was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly and having considered his record, they suspended him for 1 raceday.

(TW & EM)