Cailin Annamh in action at Galway© Photo Healy Racing
A pair of brilliant jumps at the last two fences looked to have sealed victory for Rebel Fitz in the extended two mile six chase at Galway, however, he was ground down by Cailin Annamh on the long run for home.
With four horses ruled out of this contest (Art Of Logistics, Loosen My Load, Horendous Hulabaloo and Ucello Conti) Rebel Fitz went off the 9/10 favourite to make a winning return after 301 days off-track.
The Galway Hurdle hero of 2012 was bidding for his fifth win in Ballybrit on this his sixth run at the track.
He eased his way into the front from Cailin Annamh upon jumping the third last and opened up by five lengths after jumping the last two obstacles really well.
However, it is a long way to the winning post from the last and Cailin Annamh really knuckled down under Robbie Power to cut into the lead. In the closing stages Cailin Annamh overpowered Rebel Fitz to win by two and three quarter lengths at 14/1.
Rebel Fitz had to settle for second, 13 lengths ahead of third-placed Colour Squadron (4/1).
Winning trainer Jessica Harrington said: "She had a wind operation and that's why she was so long coming back. I put the tongue tie back on today and a pair of blinkers as she was not doing a thing in Killarney.
"She made just one mistake at the open ditch and it was a mistake. It was a brilliant ride by Robbie and I knew she would stay going on the run-in. I don't know what the handicapper will do to her."
Robbie Power said: "Blinkers on for the first time and she jumped really good in the main. Just at the fourth last she made a slight mistake at it which actually helped as I had to give her a breather after that and give her a chance.
"I knew when I landed at the back of the last Rebel Fitz was starting to tie up a little bit on his first run for a long time. When I gave her a squeeze she started to pick up . She was very unlucky here last year to be beaten a neck by Jacksonslady. She got badly hampered and came flying home so I knew she would come up the hill well.
"I suppose you would have to give the Kerry National strong consideration now. Three miles round Listowel would suit her well so I imagine that would be the plan."
Mick Winters said of Rebel Fitz: "It was a super run and he jumped like a buck. It's a long run up the hill and the lack of a run just told on him.
"The plan is the Slan Abhaile (at Listowel), and he may go for the Cesarewitch after that."
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
