Aramax and Keith Donoghue jump just ahead of Port Stanley and Robbie Power© Photo Healy Racing
Fred Winter winner from Cheltenham in March Aramax (first-time tongue-strap) made it third time lucky over fences today in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase at Fairyhouse.
Winning trainer Gordon Elliott had earlier struck with Teahupoo whilst successful owner J P McManus was on the mark too, courtesy of Roseys Hollow in race two.
Here Keith Donoghue took the reins on 14/1 chance Aramax (supported in from 22s) and he proved two and a half lengths superior to odds-on chance Port Stanley
Port Stanley hadn’t always convinced with his fencing but ultimately wasn’t good behind the classy on his day scorer.
There was another McManus hope in third, Alfa Mix seventeen lengths behind.
Aramax is 14/1 from 25/1 (non runner no bet) with Paddy Power for the Grand Annual Chase at Cheltenham.
“He won the 'Fred Winter' last year. Keith said he got an awful lot of confidence from the last day and he was a different horse. He was happy,” said Elliott.
“It's great to get him back winning with him being a Cheltenham winner the year before.”
Owing to structural damage, the Stewards granted permission for fence #10 to be omitted from this race
The Stewards requested a report from Gordon Elliott, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Aramax (GER), placed first, as compared with its most recent run at Tipperary on October 20th, when finishing last of 10 runners and was beaten by 87 lengths. The trainer reported that his charge had disappointed on his previous run and despite his best efforts, he could find no reason for that poor performance. He said his charge jumped much better today and felt the application of a tongue tie on this occasion may have helped to bring about the apparent improvement in form. Having considered the report the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
(GC & EM)
