Coeur De Lion ('Bon' O'Neill nearside) comes to 'do' Jenkins and Patrick Mullins© Photo Healy Racing
Odds-on favourite Jenkins matched at odds of 1.03 'in the run' on the betting exchanges, when he seemingly had the Goffs Land Rover Bumper all wrapped up when striking for home in the straight. However he was reeled in and beaten by the Brendan Keogh-owned, Robert Tyner-trained, and Barry O'Neill-ridden Coeur De Lion (22/1).
Coeur De Lion translates from French as heart of a lion, and those that were hoovering up fancy prices about the four-year-old this morning, could have been seen as very brave given his 'zero zero' form figures.
Keogh, a well-known figure in greyhound racing and coursing circles, knows the time of day though, and in fairness those previous efforts from Coeur De Lion came in heavy ground maiden hurdles.
Tyner has oft shown his ability to ready a horse for the big day, and he certainly had 'Bon' O'Neill's mount firing on all cylinders here.
Coeur De Lion landed the spoils by half a length from Jenkins, with seven lengths back to the promising Moulin A Vent in third.
"It's only recently that we found out he's a stayer, and horses that stay win races. He was flying at the finish," commented Tyner.
"There were a lot of nice horses in the race this year, and a lot with form. He had a bit of a problem with his jumping as he was a bit cowardly but we can worry about that next year. He's always showed enough in his work."
Coeur De Lion was consigned by Norman and Janet Williamson's Oak Tree Farm, and bought by Brendan Keogh for 75,000 Euros at the sale last June.
The Stewards enquired into an incident on the home turn involving Brelade (GB), ridden by Mr J.J. Codd, placed fourth and Moulin A Vent (GB), ridden by Ms N. Carberry, placed third, where it appeared Moulin A Vent (GB) suffered interference. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion Mr J.J. Codd was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having taken his record into account, they suspended him for 1 raceday.
(AM & EM)
