Brendan Walsh leads back in Added Bonus & Darragh O'Keeffe© Photo Healy Racing
Added Bonus provided Brendan Walsh with his first success in the training ranks, as he just prevailed in the Racing Again February 23rd Handicap Chase.
Walsh took over the licence from his father John Joe late last year and saddled his first runner in November.
Recording his first win on what was his 24th career start, the bay victor was settled behind the leaders by Darragh O'Keeffe, taking closer order from three out.
He gained a narrow advantage on the approach to the last and while joined by Chainofconsequence (33s early, returned 14/1) on the run-in, he battled on gamely to regain the lead close home, prevailing by half-a-length at the line.
The winner did bump the runner-up shortly after the last and while a stewards enquiry was called, the result remained unaltered.
The front pair were three-and-a-half lengths clear of Dreamsrmadeofthis (11/2) and Tom Kelly in third, while Junior Rattler who was sent off the 5/1 favourite, finished a disappointing last of twelve finishers.
"It's grand to get the first one," Walsh commented in the aftermath.
"He was just waiting for a bit of good ground, he got it today and Darragh gave him a great ride.
"It was a pity that Ambrose (McCurtin) couldn't do the weight, he's been riding him otherwise.
"He got in as reserve and everything worked out grand.
"I took over the licence in November and I have enough in to keep me busy at the moment."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards enquired into possible interference after the final fence involving Chainofconsequence, ridden by G. Brouder, placed second, and Added Bonus, ridden by D.J. O'Keeffe, placed first, where it appeared contact was made when both horses were upsides. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. In his evidence, G. Brouder stated that his mount had landed steep over the final fence but on picking up, Added Bonus had come in and bumped his own mount. D.J. O'Keeffe stated that his mount had jumped the last well and he felt contact when Chainofconsequence drifted towards his own mount but felt that the best horse had won. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards made no alteration to the Judge’s placings and took no further action.
G. Brouder, rider of Chainofconsequence, trained by Aengus King, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount received a bump after the final fence.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Junior Rattler, trained by Oliver McKiernan, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
