Rebel Fitz and Barry Geraghty clear the last in the Powers Gold Cup© Photo Healy Racing
Just four went to post for the featured Powers Gold Cup but there was no shortage of drama with the spoils eventually going to the Mick Winters-trained Rebel Fitz
A 15 lengths verdict over sole remaining rival Bright New Dawn certainly fails to tell the full story, with the race totally changing complexion after Ballycasey fell two out.
The 11/8 favourite had made the running to that point and was still travelling well with about a length advantage when making an uncharacteristic blunder at the penultimate fence.
Rebel Fitz was left in front and Barry Geraghty soon had the 2/1 chance clear to record an ultimately decisive victory in this €90,000 event.
The other member of the quartet, Mozoltov unseated Davy Russell when making a mistake about a mile out.
Winters said, “He came off the bridle a fair way out just like he did at Mallow the last day. The horses have not been flying for the last six months, and I’d say there is more in him.
“I know he’s a nine-year-old but I felt today was really the first time he was ready to run in a Grade 1.
“We’ll give him a couple of weeks off and we may go for the Grimes Hurdle at Tipperary. The Galway Plate could be a race for him after that.”
