Rubi battles to veteran success

Rubi Light may not be the force of old but he still retains plenty of ability and the 10-year-old made it back to back wins with an ultra game performance in the Arctic Tack Stud Veteran Handicap Chase at Wexford.

The 2m3f contest always looked set to be run at a blistering pace and Dazzling Susie won the early battle of the front-runners. Rory O'Moore took over going out on the final circuit but his lead was short-lived with Robbie Hennessy's Rubi Light jumping to the front five from home. He'llberemembered threw down a strong challenge after the second last and looked like he might prevail going to the final fence.

A better jump there handed Rubi Light the advantage again, however, and he stuck on doggedly in the closing stages to post a three-parts victory under Andrew Lynch.

"It was great. He is finding a new lease of life. Andrew won't admit it now but he told me to go for the race in the North but I wanted to come here. He came in there and said I'm not going to say you are right!," revealed Robbie Hennessy.

"These races are great for horses like him, they should have more of them. They should maybe do what England do and have a final at the end of the season in somewhere like Punchestown or Fairyhouse.

"The old boys like him are in no man lands. They are highly rated and not as good as they were. Races like this they are up against their own class and they should have more of them. Fair play to Wexford for having this race on and the prize-money was great.

"He is living outside now and that's made the difference with him. He is out 24 hours a day and if he wants to come in we have a bit of a canopy for him. He was bursting blood vessels last year and this year when he is out in the fresh air the whole time he is not doing that. I hope it keeps working.

"He is in the Grand National but I'll enter him in the Topham as well. That might suit him over 2m 5f. He is a brilliant jumper and fingers cross he will keep going now. We have him half back right but he is still not as good as he was." Alderwood who shared top-weight with Rubi Light, was sent off 5/2 favourite for the feature contest but weakened quickly after six out and was pulled up.

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)