Drama but Archie gains deserved win Even money favourite Archie Meade was coming with a strong bid when leader Marvellous Moment crashed out at the last, leaving the 'jolly' to land the spoils under his trainer/rider Danny Howard in the Kevin McManus Beginners Chase at Listowel. Unfortunately Marvellous Moment's jockey, Brian O'Connell, was literally run over by the oncoming Rightville Boy, as he got to his feet, but thankfully he seemed to escape relatively unscathed. To add to the drama, Kemboy, chasing in behind at the time, also unseated at the last. Archie Meade then crossed the line eight and a half lengths in front of Itsonthelist. "I'd suppose on paper he was the best horse in the race - he's had some great runs this year - second in the Pat Taaffe and third in the Midlands National. He's been placed a lot and he deserved that one there today," reflected Howard. "He's been running well in handicaps, and we've been talking about the Munster National. That'll probably be his next target. All guns blazing for that if he stays well and sound. "I don't think the handicapper will touch him for that. He's rated 126 - head and shoulders above the rest there today - so I wouldn't imagine he'll be getting anything. "I missed both the last and second last but I had him (final fence faller Marvellous Moment) - it's unfortunate for them (connections) but I had him." (TW & EM)
