Upward curve for Raz De Maree

Raz De Maree bounced back to form in the beginners’ chase at Wexford for trainer Dessie Hughes and jockey Bryan Cooper.

The seven-year-old French bred had previously won two hurdle races last year. This was his second effort over fences. First outing he was sixth of 15 at Clonmel without ever threatening.

The market expected him to come on for that run as he was sent off 5/2 second favourite behind 2/1 shot Gagewell Flyer for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh who occupied the runner’s-up berth here.

Upon picking up the lead at the elbow coming to the last fence, Raz De Maree kept on best to land a three and a half length decision. It was a further four and a half lengths back to The Book Thief at 16/1 who was in the front rank throughout.

Afterwards Dessie Hughes commented: “He’s bred to be a chaser. He’s from the family of Nupsala. He’s not a big horse, but he’s courageous and he took all the fences on.

“He won over three miles over hurdles so three miles over fences is no problem to him. We might put him in a handicap to see what mark he gives him.

“He’s going the right way and has taken to fences which is the main thing.”

Michael Graham (on course reporting by Alan Magee)