Jamie Flynn & Goonyella on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Amazingly just three of the sixteen horses who set out for the Earl of Harrington Memorial Maiden Hunters Chase managed to complete the 2m 6f course, with Goonyella coming out on top for Jim Dreaper and Jamie Flynn.
The 11/2 shot won three point-to-points from six starts and most recently won at Loughanmore earlier this month.
Owned by Ann & Alan Potts the 5yo son of Presenting raced towards the rear in the early stages before he made good headway to track the leaders from the third last.
He came with his challenge at the second last and he was left in a clear lead there as Castleview Mills and Clount's Native both departed.
Goonyella went on from there to win by a distance from Survival in second at 33/1 for trainer Norman Lee.
Thetalkinisover refused at the last but jumped it on the second attempt and completed the race to finish third at 25/1 under Barry John Foley for John Glesson. Near Perfection was sent off the 9/10 favourite for Enda Bolger and John Thomas McNamara but he pulled up two out after being hampered.
Jim Dreaper was represented by his son Tom and he said: “He is a hardy horse and he got a good ride from Jamie. He is a good rider and that is his second winner on the track.
"He was working well at home with Harpsy Cord It is different for us to go the Hunter Chase route. Maybe next year he might be aimed at the Troytown or the Thyestes. He will go for some of the better hunter chases now."
The win was compensation for the Dreapers & the Potts' after Harpsy Cord fell at the last in the previous race when looking set for victory.
Katie Walsh, who parted company with Pocketfullapennies at the seventh fence, has been taken to hospital for x-rays on her collarbone.
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
