More Saturday afternoon joy for Rothwell Philip Rothwell landed a Saturday afternoon handicap chase for the second weekend in succession when Shrewdoperator (10/1) claimed the Fairyhouse Racecourse Members Handicap Chase. Seven days ago Rightback Atya bolted up at Navan under James O'Sullivan, but it was Adam Short in the plate on this occasion aboard the victorious grey. In the familiar silks of Oliver Barden, Short was always up there in a pace-setting role on the bottom-weight. Up the run-in Shrewdoperator kept up the gallop for a three and three parts of a length margin of victory over Tongie. In the aftermath Rothwell was busy with preparations for his runner in the next, the aforementioned Rightback Atya. "This season since he's gone handicap chasing nearly everyday he's been in the money," said Rothwell later. "He won over two miles in Cork and then we stepped him up to two-and-a-half and he was placed twice. It was arguable whether he wasn't getting home or wanted further. "He had won over two and I seen this today. We dropped him back and told Adam to make plenty of use of him because he'd stay two really well on this ground. I'm delighted he won." The Stewards received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer, that the passport for Leap Dearg(GB), trained by J.A. Nash, was not lodged within the time limit as specified under Rule 90. The Stewards ordered the withdrawal of Leap Dearg(GB) under Rule 90(ii) and fined the trainer €350. P.T. Enright, rider of Fairly Legal trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount gurgled at the third last. (GC & EM)
