Finn & O'Connell on the mark with Dorkas The market leaders failed to shine in the concluding Glasshouse Hotel Handicap Chase, with the Jimmy Finn trained Dorkas leading home her rivals under Brian O'Connell. Successful in a bumper at Stratford in 2013, the daughter of Doyen was then off the track for well over three years, returning to action in January at Naas. She was making her debut for Finn at Naas, and wasn't beaten far when fourth to High Five Oscar at Roscommon last month. Well beaten at Galway last week, she opened on-course at 14s this evening, before going off an 11/1 chance in the colours of Finn's niece Amanda. Settled behind the leaders on outer she improved into second after two out, and hit the front after the last, keeping on well from there to score by a length and three parts. 33/1 outsider Doolough Lad ran on well to take second under Barry Browne for Michael Hallinan, while the Philip Rothwell duo of Taboo (16/1) and Shanklys Dawn (25/1) were third and fourth respectively. Tomcoole Lad and Free Of Charge were the 11/2 joint-favourites. The former was fifth, while the latter was a disappointing fourteenth after drifting from 4s on-course. Finn said afterwards: "She had a few spins over hurdles and that sharpened her up a little bit. We stepped her up in trip which was a help too. "She lacks a gear. The track suited her and the ground suited her. Everything fell into place today. "It mightn't have been the best of races but we were in front where it mattered. "There's no real plan now - somewhere with a stiff finish again maybe." STEWARDS REPORTS * Owing to the low lying elevation of the sun, the Stewards granted permission for the last fence on all circuits to be omitted from this race. * J.J. Burke, rider of One Fine Morning (GB) trained by Ronald O'Leary, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was pulled up having stopped quickly. * M.F. Mooney, rider of Glasson Lad trained by Mrs Ann Mooney, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount was brought to a standstill by a faller but continued on in the race. * A.E. Lynch, rider of Killeen Elegance trained by Ms Claire O'Connell, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount hung very badly during this race. Additional reporting by Eamonn Murphy
