Presenting Lad and Philip Enright © Photo Healy Racing
The Mark McNiff trained Presenting Lad enhanced a fine record at the western track when opening his account over fences in the J.F. Hanley Groundscare Beginners Chase at Roscommon.
With form figures of 2F01221 at this venue, the eight-year-old could never be discounted, despite facing a stiff task against a number of horses who were rated higher over hurdles.
However, in this Beginners Chase, it was all about jumping and while a couple of rivals were found wanting in that department, the Phillip Enright partnered gelding made his experience count. Lope De Light led from flag fall, building up a commanding lead early on. Still clear entering the straight with three to jump, the four-year-old came to grief at the first of those fences.
That left favourite If You Let Me in front but a bad mistake two out surrendered the lead to Presenting Lad. On the run to the last, Freemantle Doctor emerged as a danger but he too, was less than fluent at that obstacle allowing the 7/1 chance to forge clear.
Jockey Phillip Enright was recording a quick double having won the previous race aboard Housemartin
Enright said, “He’d a lovely run the last day in Kilbeggan. He’s probably as high as he’d want to be in the handicap and today he had the experience and it told.
“A lot of horses with inexperience made mistakes. JJ (Slevin) fell early and my lad was clever enough to avoid him.
“He’s won twice around Roscommon before and runs well around here. Hopefully he’ll step forward now he has a bit of confidence.”
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
