Na Caith Tobac leaves rivals gasping

The previous two winners in races on the round course had made all, and Luke McAteer soon had Na Caith Tobac (15/2) in the front rank in the Yellow Furze Handicap (Div I).

Getting across from a wide draw, the Dutch-bred gelding by Australian sire Elzaam led after two furlongs and he kept up the gallop in the straight to defeat 9/2 joint-favourites Vita Veritas and Ally Cay by a length and three quarters and a nose.

Donegal native McAteer, soon to relinquish his 7lb claim, has had a terrific run of form in the last six weeks or so and this was his 19th winner of the campaign.

Winning trainer Paul Flynn said: “It was a great ride. I didn't give him (Luke McAteer) any instructions as he knows him, he's great value for the 7lb. It's the last day he has that claim.

“The 7lb helped with the 10lb raise and the soft ground helped. I was actually going to pull him out at Tipperary last time because it was good ground. I was delighted with the soft ground.

“If he improves a bit he'll be fine but I think his future may lie over jumps in time, he jumps brilliant.

“I don't know what he'll get for this but we'll probably try one more on the Flat.

“I don't think we'll go hurdling this year as I think he's just a little bit weak. He's improved all year and was quite a weak horse at the start.”

Additional reporting by Gary Carson