Forever Gold and Chris Timmons© Photo Healy Racing
After a series of near misses in valuable contests, including in this event last year, Forever Gold (5/2 favourite) ran out a popular winner of the Grade B Bar One Racing Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse.
Forever Gold (Chris Timmons up) really went into overdrive when the one up front, Captain Von Trappe blundered at the second last.
The 2015 Irish Grand National hero, Thunder And Roses (25/1), returned to form in a first-time tongue-strap, but four and a quarter lengths was as close as he could get to Forever Gold.
"I thought on the way down from Ballyhack we were in a bit of trouble. He does hit a flat spot throughout his races and I thought 'this is it - but I hope he finds something.' Then he got a good jump at the next one," said Cawley.
"We stuck him in a good handicap hurdle at Leopardstown last year, put Chris on to claim a few pounds off, and he delivered there in the Pertemps.
"He's always knocking on the door. He could do with having another gear like a lot of the horses!
"We don't know where we go from here. He has an entry in the Paddy Power at Christmas. We'll take it one day at a time.
"It would be in the back of our heads to come back here at Easter. The trip is ideal for him.
"Ground-wise he is very versatile but he loves that ground there. I said to Chris going out this is his perfect ground and if he can't win on this ground today he'll never win."
The Stewards interviewed C.D. Timmons, rider of Forever Gold, concerning his use of the whip in this race.
Evidence was heard from the rider concerned.
Having viewed a recording of the race and considered the evidence the Stewards were of the opinion that the rider was in breach of Regulation 10.3(f), in that he used the whip with excessive force and frequency and having considered his record, suspended him for two race days.
(GC & EM)
