Wood sees off Oscar to open chasing account

Speckled Wood got off the mark over fences when running out a game winner of the mares beginners chase at Wexford.

Christy Roche's charge, a daughter of High Chaparral and top racemare Like-A-Butterfly, had been unfortunate when brought down last time at Clonmel but avoided any drama today.

Mark Walsh sent the 2/1 favourite to the front four home but she was strongly pressed by Leish Oscar going to the final fence.

There was nothing between the pair on the run-in but Speckled Wood found more close home for a half length success.

“That was grand and she jumped away grand,”said Frank Berry, racing manager to owner JP McManus.

“She's a great little jumper and it's nice to get that out of the way after she was a bit unfortunate at Clonmel.

“I'd say she'll go handicapping now.”

(Additional reporting by Donal Murphy)