Fluspar justifies strong support over fences

Fluspar took advantage of what appeared an attractive mark over fences to land the Waterford & Tramore Directors Handicap Chase.

The eight-year-old gelding had failed to score in 22 previous starts but was reverting from hurdles (over which he currently holds a rating of 100) with an initial mark over fences of 80.

The market spoke strongly in his favour with odds of 3/1 cut to 2/1 at the off, and Danny Mullins' mount swept to the front before two out.

The Danny Howard-trained gelding soon drew clear and eventually scored by an easy seven lengths from Kilderry Prince Tomcoole Lad was just a short-head further away in third, with Taboo completing the places in fourth.

Howard said, "He had some nice form over hurdles, and was well-in over fences. My horses were a bit sick last year, they were all unwell from this time last year. They were all running well without winning, so it's nice to get this one."

(DM & AM)