Patience pays off with consistent Island Peak

The consistent Island Peak recorded a deserved victory in the Provimi Handicap Chase over 2m 3f running out a comfortable winner for his trainer Mikey O’Connor with Brian Cawley in the saddle.

The 8yo son of Beneficial, who was sent off the 5/1 joint favourite, won two point-to-point's in early 2010 but failed to score on fifteen attempts on the track since.

He has however been placed eight times on the track and certainly wasn’t winning out of turn this afternoon.

Having tracked leaders the leaders in the early stages the chestnut gelding took up the lead approaching seven out. He went clear at the second last before staying on well under pressure to score by two and a quarter lengths at the line.

The other 5/1 joint favourite Muzak for John Monroe and Sean Flanagan plugged on to take second after leading early on while Billytheblacksmith was a further half a length back in third under Mark Walsh for Michael Hourigan at 10/1.

Winning trainer Mikey O'Connor said afterwards: "He deserved that and he rewarded his owners patience.

"I always thought he needed a further trip. He always does too much in his races and travels really well.

"I think he might struggle now under a penalty but he will be kept on the go for the summer.

"His uncle is Royal Athlete (1995 Aintree Grand National winner) and he is so clean to jump.

"Brian Cawley rides out for me once a week. He is a helpful fellow who is fierce value for his seven pound claim."

Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes