Trainer John Carr was delighted to win the impressive looking Joe Cooney Memorial Cup with Chapter Eleven as he quipped about the successful Racing Tribe Syndicate from Westport, Co Mayo: “They aren’t going to win the Sam Maguire so this will do!”
It has been 18 runners since the trainer’s last success at Kilbeggan so the 8/1 victory in the two mile three furlong handicap hurdle was welcome for the Maynooth-based handler.
Jockey Ian McCarthy sent the seven-year-old mare on two out and the pair won by three lengths from the staying on Riotman (8/1 to 11/2 in the morning and 6/1 to 9/2 on course). Im Suir from the Willie Mullins yard took third three lengths behind Riotman at 7/2 after 398 days off the track. Carheenlea (14/1) completed the placings in the 16-runner handicap.
John Carr also commented: “It’s nice to win the Joe Cooney Cup. We’ll find something similar and she’s running well.” Prayer From Heaven the 10/3 favourite led four out but faded to finish sixth. Archies Sister ran out through the rail after the first and was pulled up.
Michael Graham
