Spider Web is ridden out by Shane Crimin© Photo Healy Racing
Spider Web landed a gamble in the opener at Leopardstown this afternoon, the Adare Manor Opportunity Handicap Chase.
Twice successful over hurdles, the Tom Mullins trained son of Presenting was available at 20/1 in early shows, opening on-course at 9s, before going off a joint-favourite at 13/2.
Settled in mid-division by Shane Crimin, the JP McManus owned victor was pushed along from two out, and soon made good progress on the outer.
He hit the front before they bypassed the last, and kept on well under pressure from there, going on to score comfortably by seven and a half lengths. Bilko (16/1) ran on well to take second under Liam McKenna for Gordon Elliott, while Lasoscar (9/1) was a further length and a quarter back in third, with Shane Shortall aboard for Liam Cusack. Dallas Cowboy (14/1) completed the placings a nose away in fourth, while the other joint-favourite, Concordin unseated Donal McInerney in the early stages.
"He's a good jumper and just when he asked him he got there a bit soon," said Mullins.
"I fancied him a little bit the last day but I'd say two miles wasn't his cup of tea. Two-five today was perfect for him.
"He had a couple of good wins as a novice hurdler and then he couldn't find his way last year.
"He got to a mark of 110 last year and just couldn't improve off it. He's come back a nicer horse this year. Chasing is his game definitely. We'll see if we can find another handicap now."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Owing to the low lying Sun, the Stewards granted permission for fence number 1 to be omitted in this race and for the remainder of the chase card.
A. McCurtin, rider of Na Trachtalai Abu trained by J.Motherway, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made a mistake at the third and was under pressure thereafter.
Katie O'Farrell, rider of First To Boogie trained by Madeleine Tylicki, reported to the Stewards' Secretaries that her mount ran short of room on the rail as a result of the bypass of the last.
The Stewards interviewed L.A. McKenna, rider of Bilko (FR), concerning his use of the whip in the closing stages of this race. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned. Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f) in that he had used his whip with excessive frequency. Having considered his record in this regard, the Stewards cautioned him.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
