Invictus Machin and Kieren Buckley© Photo Healy Racing
The Gavin Cromwell trained Invictus Machin registered a first victory over fences when staying on well under Kieren Buckley to win the Curragh To Curragh Charity Cycle On Saturday 31st August Handicap Chase at Kilbeggan.
Having started his career in the perfect fashion when landing a maiden hurdle at Down Royal on his racecourse debut back in November 2022, the Coastal Path gelding had become somewhat disappointing of late.
Jumping errors had blighted his early runs over fences but gradually getting the hang of things, the J.P. McManus owned six-year-old showed a glimmer of hope when runner-up at Tramore in April.
Following a below par effort at Limerick the following month, the Cromwell trained gelding benefitted from a break to run out a gusty winner of this competitive heat.
Heading leader Sphagnum after two out, the 12/1 chance led into the straight, staying on in determined fashion to prevail by a length.
Gavin Cromwell said: “It’s nice to finally win one with him. He’s been frustrating and the ground was too quick for him in Limerick the last day.
“The rain just left it nice ground. He’s not up to going on deep winter ground but just needs to get his toe in a little bit.
“Hopefully that will do his confidence good and the handicapper won’t be too hard on him.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee.
