Ashdale Bob and Jack Kennedy © Photo Healy Racing
Ashdale Bob showed a terrific winning attitude when digging deep to land the spoils in the Grade 3 Guinness Open Gate Brewery Novice Chase at Galway.
Jessica Harrington 's charge made the running in the two-mile-two contest but looked a sitting duck turning for home as Sayvalee cruised up to dispute.
The 13/8 favourite was also pressed by Horantzau D'airy early in the straight. Saylavee got her head in front briefly in the closing stages but Ashdale Bob wasn't to be denied, under Jack Kennedy, and edged ahead near the line to secure a half length success.
"I'm delighted for the horse as he had been running around in hurdle races running against all the top horses without getting his head in front,” said Harrington.
“After Punchestown I said to Diarmuid (Horgan, owner) that we'll have to go back jumping fences.
"He is a model of consistency, is a beautiful sound horse and is a joy to train. He is a right character and really wanted it today.
"My worry was the trip today as he needs three miles but we have come here now and he is two-from-two.
“Jack said he needed company and if he had company he'd have carried him into the fences but he is very clever.
"We'll give him a break for the winter, bring him back in the spring and you wouldn't know what lies ahead - maybe the Galway Plate next year."
Kennedy told RTE:- “He was a little bit leery in front but the trip was probably just on the short side for him.
“I wanted to make as much use of him as I could and he stayed on well up the hill.
“He was careful in front but he's a brilliant jumper, a bit of company probably would have helped him but it's lovely for him to get that done.
“I needed something to push him along and bring his stamina into play. Paul got ahead of me at one stage but this lad just stayed on better.”
(Additional reporting by Tom Weekes)
