Gwencily Berbas and Paul Townend clear the last© Photo Healy Racing
Gwencily Berbas sent favourite backers home happy at Roscommon, as he took the last, the Ladies Day At Roscommon On July 10th Beginners Chase, under Paul Townend for Alan Fleming.
A Grade 2 winner over flights in 2015, the French bred son of Nickname filled the runner-up position on two of his previous four efforts over the larger obstacles.
Back on his favoured soft ground this evening and stepped up to three miles for the first time, he was sent off the 2/1 market leader in the colours of owner Barry Connell.
Settled behind the leaders by Townend, the six-year-old gelding was fourth with a circuit to race. He was pushed along in second on the approach to the straight, and was ridden to the front at the second last, keeping on well on the run-in to score by three and three parts of a length. Jimmy Two Times ran well to finish second under Andrew Lynch for Brian Hamilton at 6/1, while Une Lavandiere (28/1) kept on well to take third, another three and three parts of a length back, with Sean Flanagan in the saddle for Noel Meade.
The Willie Mullins trained Sure Reef was sent off the 3/1 second favourite and he disappointingly pulled up.
Alan Fleming said afterwards: "I thought he'd do it a bit easier. He was just a bit sluggish today but he's been in a long time.
"He had his few runs during the winter and they were quite good. I think he's going to go on a little holiday now.
"I do think there is a big one in him along the line, a big handicap. We'll look after him now and give him a nice holiday.
"Paul was very strong and very good on him. It's a pity Denis missed out, as he has a sore shoulder, but I think this lad will pay him back during the winter."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards fined I.Madden, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Old Meadow, in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
The Turf Club Veterinary Officer examined Sure Reef, trained by W.P. Mullins, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
G.N. Fox, rider of Plain Talking trained by Gavin Cromwell, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that his mount tired early in the straight and jumped slowly over the last three fences.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
