Reverend Hubert wasn't fluent at the last but still goes on to score under Shane Fitzgerald© Photo Healy Racing
The Charles Byrnes-trained Reverend Hubert made it two from two over fences when beating a quality field in the Jim Ryan Memorial Novice Chase.
Successful three times on the level for Richard Hannon and bought by current connections for 40,000 pounds, the Zoffany gelding was an easy winner when the subject of strong market support on his chase debut at Limerick last month.
Easier to back this afternoon, he was returned a 9/2 chance (drifted from 10/3) in the colours of owner James Flaherty.
Given a patient ride by Shane Fitzgerald, the chestnut victor took closer order before three out and was briefly short of room entering the straight.
Gaining a narrow lead approaching the last, where he wasn't fluent, the six-year-old extended his advantage when ridden on the run-in and came home two-and-a-quarter lengths clear of Solitary Man
The runner-up was returned at 7/2 under Charlie O'Dwyer, while the front-running Easy Fella (7/4 favourite) was just half-a-length away in third.
"It was a good race and it turned into a bit of a sprint and his Flat speed helped. I'm delighted with him and he was strong up to the line which is the most important thing," the winning trainer commented.
"He made a few mistakes but overall he is a very good jumper.
"It's hard to know what we’ll do with him now as there aren't that many races for him."
STEWARDS REPORTS
Prior to this meeting, the Raceday Stewards approved a request from Clerk of the Course, Mr. Brendan Sheridan, to amend the distance of this race to 3 miles and 147 yrds, due to a rail realignment.
K. Callaghan, rider of Saylavee trained by W.P. Mullins, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount jumped left throughout and made a mistake at the last.
Additional reporting by Alan Magee
