Birchdale (near side) challenges at the last © Photo Healy Racing
The 9/2 favourite Birchdale benefitted from a patient steer from Mark McDonagh to land the Bulmers Secret Orchard Leopardstown Handicap Chase.
Sixth in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Christmas, the Jeremy gelding got a nice run through on the inner off the home turn to get into contention as longtime leader Blackbow began to come under pressure.
The winner, 4lb out of the handicap but with just 9st7lb on his back, hit the front on the run-in and kept on well to beat Foxy Jacks by a length and a quarter. Winter Escape and Gallant John Joe completed the placings.
Winning trainer Enda Bolger said: “He always had the ability and I just think he has matured as well, I'm not taking much credit for it.
“I thought he got a great ride from young Mark, I've known him for a long time as he used to come in and ride out for us.
“It all came together today and 9-7 was a help. It was Mr Berry's idea to use him, it's getting harder to get fellas to do the weight. Mark is riding well and it was an easy decision. He was outstanding on him.
“I was getting mixed up with the red cap (on Winter Escape) and blue cap. I said 'we're going to be third' but next thing someone said to me 'well done' coming down off the stands. I was certain I was the red cap so it was a pleasant surprise!
“I'd say the loose horse coming towards him as well probably carried him on.
“This was kind of the plan and it's a prestigious race to win.”
When asked about rejuvenating these type of horses he added:- “It must be the Limerick air! I'm being given good horses to start with and maybe it's coming from a large yard to us where we have only 15 or 16 horses.
“He looks a million dollars, he could go to the Dublin Horse Show.”
Winning rider Mark McDonagh told RTE Sport: “He settled a lot better today than he did in the Paddy Power. I’d say the drop back in trip probably suited him down to the ground.
“Enda (Bolger) and Mr. Berry kept it very simple for me. They just said to try and hold onto him for as long as I could. That’s what I tried to do and I was happy enough to cut in (around the final turn) coming down to the last and it was just about kicking on then.
“It’s a dream to ride in these colours. It’s my first ride in them, so thanks to Enda, Mr. Berry, Mr. McManus and my agent Garry Cribbin.
“I’m studying Business in UL (University of Limerick) and I’m on work experience at the moment at Joseph O’Brien’s, doing a bit of office work too, and it’s great to be able to do both things.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
