Newmill off the mark over fences Newmill got his chasing career firmly back on track by readily landing odds of 4/6 in the Fethard Beginners Chase at Clonmel this afternoon.Barry Geraghty´s mount was one of the top novice hurdlers last season, winning the ´Royal Bond´ at Fairyhouse as well as two other Grade 2 events, but finished a disappointing fifth on his chasing debut at Naas last month.Trainer Thomas O´Leary blames himself for that poor effort saying, ´All of my horses are two and a half months behind this season with the cough, and in hindsight I shouldn´t have run him at Naas.´ The Norwich gelding put that outing well behind him here though, making all and stretched clear of Twist ´N Shout in the straight to score by 13 lengths.´The Durkan New Homes Novice Chase (formerly the Dennys) at Leopardstown is next and then hopefully back there for the Arkle,´ said O´Leary. However the Clonakilty handler is not convinced that running in the Arkle at Cheltenham would be in the horses best long-term interest. ´I want to go to Cheltenham but when the horse is right.´Stable-companion Scarthy Lad is recovering from an injury sustained when successful on his chasing debut at Clonmel last month. ´He banged a splint bone in a hind leg but will start back cantering this Friday, and should be running again in January.´
