Tiantu goes back-to-back in the south-east

Tiantu ‘nosed out’ Jack Holiday after an exciting finish to the Kilmeaden Handicap Chase at Tramore.

Following on quick from his Sligo third placing on Monday, Jack Holiday looked good when skipping clear approaching two out here.

However, already a course winner at the Graun Hill venue, local runner Tiantu closed him down and challenged on the run-in where he was impeded.

Under his trainer Paul Power, the Getaway gelding had the momentum up and he wasn’t for stopping as he got there on the line by the minimum to follow up on a Wexford win from twelve days ago.

"He is finally improving and it's great to see him put two good runs together like that,” said Power.

“Hopefully he'll pick up another one. I wasn't sure if I'd got up but I thought I might get it if I didn't get up if you know what I mean (after an enquiry). I just got a little bit squeezed but in fairness he saw it out well.

"I was happy that my fella was going to stay going as he has won around here over two mile five and won the last time over two and a half.

“He stayed going up the hill and I could just see Darragh was starting to tie up going down to the last. It's a tell-tale sign when they start looking over their shoulder they are not going that well!

"Darragh's fella just jumped left at the last and my fella was leaning towards the rail so I said we'd keeping going that way. We won't aim too high with him now."

The Stewards enquired into an incident after the last fence involving Tiantu, ridden by Mr P. Power, placed first and Jack Holiday, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, placed second, where it appeared Tiantu got tight for room on the inner.

Evidence was heard from the riders concerned.

Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards found D.J. O'Keeffe in breach of Rule 214 through Improper Riding and having taken his record into account suspended him for three race days.

(DM & EM)