Southerner stylish winner on chase debut

Southerner quickened away in good style from the back of the last to run out a cosy winner of the restricted beginners chase at Clonmel.

6/5 favourite Brawler took them along in the two-and-a-half mile contest but was joined going to the second last, with four horses in a line.

Southerner took a narrow lead going to the final fence, under amateur William Cronin who was partnering the gelding for his father and namesake.

The Westerner gelding found plenty on the run-in to pull away and secure a six-length win over the market leader.

16/1 shot Southerner, twice a winner over hurdles, was making his chase debut this afternoon in this race confined to horses that were rated 116 or less over hurdles. He had run off 113 on his last outing over timber.

The winning rider said:- “He did it well and he’s a very natural jumper.

“He hasn’t been the easiest to train. The gap between runs would tell you that — he’s quite a difficult horse to keep sound.

"He had a bit of heat in a leg as a five-year-old but mainly it's just been little things.

“The conditions of the race suited as it’s for horses rated 116 or less over hurdles. On his hurdle mark we thought he was entitled to be there or thereabouts.

“He loves that ground, jumped well and travelled all the way. You don’t see too many 11-year-olds wearing a hood — he’s very enthusiastic and enjoys his racing. He loves being held up and passing horses.”

(Quotes by Alan Magee)