Donal Murphy
Goulane Chosen takes advantage of hurdles mark
Goulane Chosen clears the last under Brian Hayes
© Photo Healy Racing
Goulane Chosen took advantage of his lower mark over flights, as he ran out a comfortable winner of the Tramore Amusement Park Handicap Hurdle.
Better known for his exploits over the larger obstacles, the son of Well Chosen is rated 136 in that sphere, compared to his hurdles figure of 111.
Sent off a 12/1 chance this evening, the twelve-year-old gelding was settled behind the leaders on the inner and got the perfect run through to lead before the final flight.
He quickly settled matters under Brian Hayes, going on to score easily by six-and-a-half lengths in the colours of owner/breeder Mary O’Donnell. Jazz Ranger (28/1) ran on well to take second under Simon Torrens for James Fahey, while Urabamba (5/1) was another half a length back in third. Bonarc was sent off the 2/1 favourite and she faded once headed approaching the last, eventually finishing sixth.
Winning trainer Seamus Spillane wasn’t present, but his son Dinny said: "It's about time he took advantage of his mark over hurdles because we have tried a few times and it didn't work out. Maybe he wasn't 100 percent fit once or twice but he was hopping today. He was entitled to do that with the mark he had.
"We haven't really looked to see what is coming up for him. The chases are scarce enough for him at the moment.
"He won on very heavy ground before but in his older age he finds it easier on the better ground. It's usually the other way around."