Jack beats Duke by the narrowest of margins

Jack Slade got the better of Gentleman Duke by the narrowest of margins in the Rekorderlig Cider Most Appropriately Dressed Lady Win A Trip To Thailand Handicap Chase.

Successful at the venue in June of last year, the Noel Meade trained victor finished fourth on his last two outings at Down Royal in May.

Having opened on-course at 9/2 today, the son of Stowaway eventually went off an 11/2 chance in the colours of the No Rush Man Syndicate.

Settled in mid-division by Jonathan Moore, the chestnut victor was a close third from three out, and was ridden from the last, staying on best in the closing stages, getting up on the line to prevail by a nose.

The aforementioned runner-up was returned at 13/2 under Barry Geraghty for Arthur Moore, while the staying on Leap Dearg (14s this morning and from 10s into 13/2 on-course) was another half a length back in third. Cubomania was sent off the 7/2 favourite, but he was let down by his jumping, and eventually finished a well-beaten sixth.

Moore said: "I could see Barry's lad (Geraghty on Gentleman Duke) was idling up the hill and I was staying going and probably caught him a little bit on the hop. I didn't get by him as easy as I thought I was going to. Lucky winner today thank God!

"He does want further. He's a bit of a tricky horse, he doesn't usually find much but in fairness to him today he found plenty.

"His jumping is so good, he wins his races because of his jumping. I'm delighted to get one on the board on him today anyway.

"He hadn't much form over hurdles and I remember I won a Martinstown race on him in Bellewstown and he went on an upward curve.

"Hopefully over a bit further he can improve.

"Noel (Meade) said to ride him handy in behind the leaders and in fairness they went a good, nice gallop and he settled away and he is able to find plenty because of that."

STEWARDS REPORTS

The Stewards interviewed J.M. Moore, rider of Jack Slade, concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that J.M. Moore was in breach of Regulation 10.3 (f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having taken his previous record into consideration, the Stewards suspended him for 1 raceday.

Mr A.J. Fox, rider of Cubomania trained by Gordon Elliott, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the second last fence.

Additional reporting by Michael Graham