Fort George finally gets it right over fences

Just five runners lined up for the feature race of the evening at Killarney, the Christy McSweeney Memorial Novice Chase, with the second favourite Fort George coming out on top after the two mile, six furlong trip.

Having failed to win on his previous eight attempts over fences, he was sent back over smaller obstacles on his last two starts.

He was well beaten in testing conditions at Thurles in January but bounced back to his best at Gowran last month, winning easily by eight lengths in maiden hurdle company on good to firm ground.

With Ruby in the saddle again today (rode him at Gowran), he found plenty of supporters on his first start back over fences and was sent to post the 2/1 second favourite.

Running in the silks of Ann & Alan Potts, the 8yo made most of the running and was clear from before the straight. He stayed on well under pressure to fend off the challenge of the 6/4 favourite Sweeps Hill by five lengths at the line.

This was the second winner of the Festival for the owners the Ann & Alan Potts Partnership and trainer Henry De Bromhead after Sizing Symphony’s impressive success yesterday evening.

Winning rider Ruby Walsh said afterwards: "He was good and he bounces off that quick ground."

Donal Murphy