Fan De Blues (near side) jumps the last in third © Photo Healy Racing
It was all change after the last in the Rockshore Novice Steeplechase (Grade 3) as Fan De Blues (7/2) finished best to give Willie Mullins a double on the card after Farout in the opener. Bold Enough (11/2) took over from stablemate Gin On Lime (7/4 fav) after jumping the final fence where Robbinia, still travelling well in a close fourth, was a faller.
On the long run up to the post though, it was the Paul Tonwend-ridden Fan De Blues, who turned for home in third, who stayed on best under the stands’ rail to lead inside the final furlong.
He scored by a length, with Gin On Lime getting back up for second a length and a half ahead of Bold Enough in third.
The 6-year-old winner, by Poliglote, had previously got off the mark on his tenth start over fences at Punchestown in May.
“I think he was probably fortunate that the ones in front took each other on,” said Mullins.
“When they finished battling he just had a little bit more in the tank. He has lots of experience and had run (four times) over fences in France before he came to us.
“His experience probably told. He's a nice horse and we had been disappointed that he hadn't won for us over fences up until last time.
“I think that might be the start of it now as sometimes when a horse gets his head in front he gets the habit of it.”
Quotes from Gary Carson
