Johngus survives errors to open 'track' account

Sean Aherne's Johngus landed the spoils after an eventful contest for the Kilmanahan Beginners Chase at Clonmel.

The 4/1 shot disputed early on, in the two-miler, before a bad mistake at the second fence as Phillip Enright sat tight.

He tracked the leaders from there and was just in behind as Rolly Bowley Boy and Clounts Pride disputed going to the second last.

The former blundered away his rider there and Johngus came to lead on the inner. He asserted going to the final fence to post a 17 success over the leg-weary Clounts Pride.

Johngus, a point-to-point winner last December, was opening his 'track' account at the 25th attempt and the winning trainer said:-

"He finally got his head in front and he seems to be better at that trip. He didn't jump great today which is unlike him and he is normally good to jump.

"We'll handicap away but he wants soft ground so won't run during the summer."

(Quotes by Tom Weekes)