Jake Peter clears the last Phillip Enright © Photo Healy Racing
Bridging a gap of nearly six years since his sole previous win over flights, Jake Peter readily accounted for nine rivals in the William Hill Proper Pricing Handicap Hurdle.
A versatile performer and a five-time winner on the level, the Mark Cahill-trained 10-year-old was last seen finishing fifth of 16 at Listowel.
Owned and bred by Frank McNulty, the 100-rated bay tracked the leaders under Phillip Enright, getting a dream run through on the inner to lead approaching the last.
Ridden on the run-in, he increased his advantage and came home three and three quarters of a length to the good.
Well-supported from 33s to 14/1, Pro Bono finished second under Cian Cullinan for Patrick Hayes, while Sayitfirst (7/1), who was prominent throughout, was a neck back in third.
Returned the 11/4 favourite, Mount Anglesby found little for pressure in the straight and finished a disappointing sixth.
"Mark Cahill does a great job with him. In fairness every day he runs his race and just seems to find one too good so it’s great to get him over the line," Enright commented.
"Frank McNulty is a brilliant man for racing. He loves his racing and there is never any up or down with him no matter where you finish. It's great to ride a winner for him.
"I thought he just got a bit bogged down in the ground at Listowel and when I saw the ground here today, I knew he'd run a big race. He wears his heart on his sleeve.
"I was in a bit of a pocket and when the gap opened, I was travelling well enough to fill the gap. That's the bit of Flat speed that he's got. He's a ten-year-old and still tries his heart out."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Raceday Stewards reviewed an incident close to the line involving Pro Bono, ridden by Cian Cullinan, placed second, and Sayitfirst, ridden by D. Moloney, placed third, where it appeared the two horses came close together. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the matter, the Raceday Stewards were satisfied that no further action was warranted.
D.J. O'Keeffe, rider of Wendell's Lass (GB), trained by Thomas Gibney, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a mistake at the third last.
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer examined Single Edition trained by Nigel Thomas Slevin, at the request of the Raceday Stewards and reported the animal to have small skin abrasions on its left fore but to be otherwise post race normal.
The Raceday Stewards enquired into an incident in the home straight involving Jake Peter, ridden by P.T. Enright, placed first, and Sayitfirst, ridden by D. Moloney, placed third, where it appeared the two horses came close together. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. P.T. Enright stated that he was waiting for a gap which appeared and he filled it straight away. He further added that it got tight for half a stride. D. Moloney stated that his mount drifted off the rail in the home straight. He further added that the horse up his inside took him by surprise and he just wanted to keep it tight. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Raceday Stewards found D. Moloney was in breach of Rule 214 in that he had ridden carelessly, and having considered his clean record in this regard the Raceday Stewards suspended him for two racedays.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
