Gaelic Arc and Sean O'Keeffe pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Recording his first win over fences, Gaelic Arc lowered the colours of some high class rivals in the feature BoyleSports Handicap Chase.
The lowest rated runner in the seven-strong field, the John Ryan-trained victor was sent off a 12/1 chance after pulling up on his most recent start at Kilbeggan.
Sent straight to the front by Sean O'Keeffe, the Arcadio eight-year-old made all and jumped well throughout.
The now four-time winner had all his rivals off the bridle from the third last and stretched clear away from the next, eventually coming home eight-lengths to the good.
Top-weight Dancing On My Own (9/2) filled the runner-up spot under Rachael Blackmore for Henry de Bromhead, while The Dasher Conway was another 14-lengths back in third.
Returned the well-supported 5/4 favourite, Extrapolation faded badly from four out and finished a tailed off last, while Flooring Porter (11/2 from 7/2) also failed to land a blow, finishing a disappointing fifth after racing detached in rear for much of the contest.
"Danny (Mullins) couldn't do the weight and Sean O'Keeffe, who comes in a day a week to me, really wanted to ride him. He had previously run too free here in May but Sean let him go today and he is a proper two-mile chaser who loves good ground," Ryan commented.
"He is brilliant over two miles and I think 2m2f in Galway would be too far for him. He is a very good horse on his day."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Extrapolation, trained by Richard John O'Brien, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to be post race normal.
The Raceday Stewards requested a report from John Patrick Ryan, trainer, following the winning performance of Gaelic Arc in this race, which appeared to represent an improvement on its previous run where he pulled up. The trainer reported that this horse was too keen at Kilbeggan last time and this accounted for the poor run on that occasion. The Raceday Stewards considered the report and noted the explanation offered.
Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes
