The Dabbler and Eoin Walsh (near side) jump the last upsides Clondaw Secret© Photo Healy Racing
Eoin Walsh delivered The Dabbler (5/4 fav) with a telling late challenge at Ballinrobe in August and was similarly patient in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Captain Christy Rated Novice Chase.
Content to track the leaders in a steadily-run affair, 5lb claimer Walsh seemed unfazed when his mount clouted the third last but it appeared that Clondaw Secret had got away from the market leader between the final two fences.
The winning rider had judged things to a nicety, though, as his mount jumped the last on terms and found enough on the run-in to score by half a length.
The Presenting gelding had led before two out before being run out of first prize in the Mayo National at Ballinrobe in early summer but has turned the corner with the application of headgear and patient tactics.
Winning trainer Liam Cusack said: “I gave him a break after winning at Ballinrobe as I wasn’t too keen running him on goodish ground again.
“I walked it when I arrived and I pulled the mare (Boghlone Honey) out of the handicap hurdle. They did a better job on the chase track and with such a good pot we decided to take our chance.
“When this race was moved (from Clonmel) I felt it might cut up a bit. He has plenty of experience from handicaps and when JP’s horse (Spades Are Trumps) was pulled out it made life a lot easier.
“He’ll be a nice horse for some of those staying handicaps and will handle winter ground.”
Quotes from Alan Magee
