In it's 56th running, the Ellen Construction Thyestes Handicap Chase produced it's second back-to-back winner when Priests Leap joined Wylde Hide (1995 & 1996) in that exclusive club. The 20/1 chance (same price as he was a year ago) got on terms two out under his partner from twelve months ago, Philip Enright, led before the last, and went away on the run in to account for Chelsea Harbour by four lengths.
In 2008 off a ten pound lower mark, the son of Luso beat Black Apalachi by four and a half lengths. Others to twice land the highly prestigious Grade A contest were Copp (1955 & 1958) Greek Vulgan (1967 & 1969) and Bob Treacy (1999 & 2001).
Enright, also a big race hero in the 2007 Pierse Hurdle on Spring The Que, said: "He even travelled better than he did last year and the deeper the ground the better for him."
Successful trainer, Tom O'Leary, who handled Newmill (2006 Champion Chase hero) for much of his career, said: "I was hoping more than anything else. We've always had it in mind to come back for this race.
"I own the horse in partnership with John O'Donohue and he said after winning it last year that he wanted to win it three times so he could keep the trophy. The plan is to go for the Aintree National with one run beforehand but he needs soft ground."
This was a big Cork success as all connections hail from the Rebel County. Meanwhile top-weight, Chelsea Harbour was always prominent and ran a big race to be second whilst Arbor Supreme was a further nine lengths back in third.
Favourite, Hoopy pulled up on the run-in when still in with a chance for minor money. Of the others, Conna Castle ran a big race until a mistake two out ended his chance and he eventually weakened to finish seventh.
Interviewed in the parade ring after the Thyestes, Tom O'Leary said he thought his Hurricane Carter would win the next, and punters took the hint as they backed Davy Russell's mount from 7/2 into 9/4.
Russell completed a double (earlier won on Alpha Ridge by making virtually all on this chestnut in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Novice Chase to bring up a just over 67/1 brace for O'Leary (a first for the Clonakilty yard).
The trainer said: "He is bred by the same people that bred Priests Leap. He is the same age and was brought up in the same field. He is a horse that has had his problems but hopefully we're looking towards the future now. He could well come back here for the Thyestes next year." (EM)
