Cayd Boy and Mark Walsh lead over the last© Photo Healy Racing
The Liz Doyle trained Cayd Boy made it three wins from five starts, as he landed the valuable Grade B WKD Handicap Hurdle.
Having filled the runner-up spot on his most recent start at Navan in January, the JP McManus owned French bred gelding was sent off a 10/1 chance this afternoon on what was his handicap debut.
Settled in mid-division on the outer by Mark Walsh, the son of No Risk At All took closer order to track the leaders from the fifth.
Coming with his effort approaching two out, he was soon left in the lead and kept on well when ridden from the last, going on to prevail by a length. Golden Jewel (20/1) tried hard on the run-in but couldn't peg back the winner and had to settle for second under Chris Timmons for Eddie Cawley. Lignou was another length back in third at 50/1, while Campeador was four lengths away in fourth at 80s. Gold Des Bois who got in as third reserve, was sent off a well-backed 16/5 favourite (25s in early shows and from 11/2 this morning), but he could only manage eighth under Conor Orr. The Very Man was under pressure in front when crashing out at the second last, bringing down Drop The Anchor in the process.
Walsh said afterwards: "We actually didn't go much of a gallop which suited my fellow because he has a good turn of foot.
"I just got a nice position turning into the straight, kicked him on at the second last and he winged it.
"He had to battle because they were all coming at him, but he ground it out well."
STEWARDS REPORTS
J.P. O'Sullivan, rider of Hannon trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount did not handle todays going.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Gold Des Bois (FR), trained by Gordon Elliott, at the request of the Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
