Stafford & Short on the mark with Hill

There was an exciting conclusion to the Colm Quinn BMW Handicap Chase, with Fenlon's Hill coming out on top under Adam Short for Paul Stafford.

Without a win before today, the six-year-old son of Court Cave was placed three times this year, and was sent off at 5/1 this afternoon.

Settled behind the leaders, the bay victor was pushed along after the last and was one of four battling it out for the lead on the entrance to the straight.

He edged to the front in the final 100 yards, keeping on best to score by a length from Bellgrove (5/1) in second, with Dorkas (15/8 in early shows, returned 5/1) another half a length away in third.

Stafford said afterwards: "I fancied him a little bit today - he has been consistent since he went over fences and was probably unlucky the last day in Perth to bump into a decent enough horse with Flat speed.

"I thought this race suited and thankfully it has worked out. He is a smashing horse but hasn't been easy to train and has had a wind operation and has only improved since.

"John (Blake, owner) has been with me a long time but is not with us today, unfortunately as his mother-in-law isn't well. He usually leads him up so it was a pity but I hope everything is alright.

"He is in at Ballinrobe on Thursday and we'll see how he is before making up our minds."

STEWARDS REPORT

The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Rebel Turn trained by W.J. Burke, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be distressed post race.

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes