Warne puts in a great jump at the last on his way to victory under Declan Lavery© Photo Healy Racing
Declan Lavery continued his impressive start to the new National Hunt season as he recorded his fifth success of the campaign aboard the Brian Hamilton trained Warne in the Listowel Race Directors Hunters Chase.
The former Edward O’Grady trained winner was having just his third start for Hamilton this afternoon.
The 8yo son of Bob Back had his last run for O’Grady in October of 2010 but didn’t run for Hamilton until February of this year where he won a point-to-point at Kirkistown under Derek O'Connor beating Nedzer’s Return by seven lengths.
Last time out he finished fourth in the Racing Post Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown behind the winner On The Fringe and runner-up That Beats Banaher who he reversed the form with today.
Having opened at 10/1 this morning with Paddy Powers, he opened at just 11/2 on track and was well supported into 4/1 joint favourite at the off.
Given a patient ride by Lavery he closed to track the leaders at the fourth last fence. He moved on terms and travelled well approaching the straight before staying on well to assert on the run-in, winning by four and a quarter lengths at the line. Ballyhampshire Man ran a fine race to finish second at 25/1 for trainer Paul Roche while Railway Storm was a further length and a half back in third also at 25/1 for trainer Mary Twohig.
The other 4/1 joint favourite That Beats Banaher finished a further neck back in fourth under Jamie Codd for Liam Kenny
Winning trainer Brian Hamilton said afterwards: "We are thinking of sending him to Galway now. We will see what mark his is given by the handicapper and will consider our options then.
"He was place there before and has some good runs in Novice Chases."
Donal Murphy & Thomas Weekes
