Hard-earned victory for Good Bye Sam

It was hard work but Good Bye Sam got on top close home to land odds of 5/6 in the Waterford Hunt Fundraiser Hunters’ Chase.

Driven along in third when stumbling on the downhill run to two out, the Samum gelding responded well to pressure and a good jump at the last was crucial as he overhauled El Dancer in the final fifty yards for a half length success.

Willie Mullins’ charge had chased home Cheltenham-winning stablemate Billaway at Naas before getting turned over at odds of 2/11 on his most recent start at Thurles.

Winning rider Patrick Mullins said: “He probably wants to go the other direction. He was hanging and jumping a bit to his left everywhere.

“He didn’t really come down the hill but once he hit the rising ground he stayed on well.

“We might go for the Ladies Cup with him in Punchestown. He schooled over banks and seems pretty good so that might be the next port of call.”

Quotes from Alan Magee