Politicise (right) beats Don't Talk © Photo Healy Racing
Politicise gained a first win over fences at the fifteenth attempt when getting up in the final stride to take the Fibrus Total Home Wi-Fi Handicap Chase.
The 10/1 chance, ridden by Carl Millar, just got the better of Don't Talk after a good tussle on the run-in with just a head in it at the line.
It was a first double for Millar who scored earlier on O'Faolains Glory
Politicise hung right on the run-in, carrying Don't Talk with him towards the far rail, and the riders had their heads down to such an extent that both horses crashed through a spur of rail just after the winning line. Thankfully horses and riders emerged unscathed and the result was allowed to stand after an enquiry.
Winning trainer Nigel Slevin said of the winner who carries the colours of De Bad Back Syndicate: "He hit the crossbar a few times for me and he had a great run at Leopardstown at Christmas.
"Every time we have run him since the ground has been gluey and he just hates gluey ground.
"The syndicate that have him want to move him on, so he is going to go to Doncaster in May.
"Carl is great value for his 7lb. In fairness, he started out with a fella down the road and he started coming in after Gordon Elliott's to me in the evenings.
"I like rewarding him and he gets the job done. He rode his first winner for me here in a bumper. I get on well with him and he does what you ask him, that's all you can ask for.
"I've 10 horses in, tipping away - a few for the Flat and point-to-pointers. They are mostly our own, so we tip away."
Quotes from Michael Graham
