Pineau De Re (nearest) holds off Stony Grey Soil© Photo Healy Racing
Pineau De Re landed the spoils in the beginners chase at Thurles as hotpot Cadspeed proved a major disappointment.
Willie Mullins charge was sent off a 1/2 shot in the 2m2f after falling with the race at his mercy at Clonmel last time.
Ruby Walsh had to get serious at the third last, however, and his mount could find no more when headed by Pineau De Re after the second last.
Philip Fenton's charge looked in control as the field bypassed the final fence, due to the first circuit fall of Rourke's Cross but the 8/1 winner was made to work in the closing stages. Stony Grey Soil finished to good effect and pushed the Barry Connell-owned gelding to a head margin at the line.
The winner was making his fifth start over fences and had finished well beaten on his previous four attempts.
“The favourite probably didn't perform but he won snug enough,” said Fenton.
“He learned more today than he did in his previous runs but he's not over big. We'll try and find a novice handicap somewhere but they are scarce.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
