Chicago Storm in front where it counts© Photo Healy Racing
As racecourse commentator Jerry Hannon alluded to, horses were coming from all angles in the final furlong of the first divide of the apprentice handicap in Naas, and it was Chicago Storm who took the spoils.
The 20/1 shot finished strongly to nab Reb Trail by a neck close home. He was the second leg of a 398/1 double for jockey Cleary who won the opening race aboard Aidan O'Brien's Garden Of Eden (18/1). Red Trail (20/1) had to settle for second, half a length up on Spring Collection (7/2jf).
This was Chicago Storm's first success at the 24th time of asking.
Chris Timmons said: “He has plenty of ability but has just taken a bit of working out.
“Jack gave him a lovely ride and I’d say he’s a young man going places. He’s a horse that probably likes a bit of space, so I told Jack to give himself the option to go wide.
“He’s a fun, dual-purpose horse and hopefully getting his head in front will give him a bit of confidence.”
This was Cleary's second double with the first coming at Dundalk in January last year. He moved on to seven winners for the season.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
