Winding River makes breakthrough over fences

Oliver McKiernan's Winding River grabbed his first victory over fences in the Coumshingaun Handicap Chase at Clonmel. Lake Chad attempted to see off all comers in this extended 2m4f assignment, but Winding River was the closest challenger as they tackled the last.

Lake Chad certainly jumped it well, however, Winding River did so too and was up for the battle as he nosed ahead soon after touching down.

He toughed it out by a length and a-quarter at 9/2 from Clonbury Bridge (10/3jf) who got up for second by a neck from Lake Chad (9/1).

Jockey Phillip Enright said: "He had been running consistently well on his last five or six runs and had finished second a few times, so it was great it worked out today.

"We got a great jump at the last and he kept galloping.

"He got close to one or two fences, but is a pretty good jumper and had run a lovely race at Downpatrick the last day, behind a horse which fell but went on to win afterwards.

"His form was there and Oliver's horses are in great form."

Winding River has two Downpatrick hurdle successes in his locker.

Additional reporting by Tom Weekes