Roi De Dubai and Ennemi Public tackle the last fence© Photo Healy Racing
It was slow-motion stuff at the business end of the two and a half mile beginners' chase at Wexford as Roi De Dubai (5/1) beat off Ennemi Public
The pair were involved in a battle after the second last and a good jump at the final fence enabled Roi De Dubai to take a definite lead on the run-in.
He responded well to Brian Hayes' urgings to assert in the closing stages by five and a half lengths as Ennemi Public (12/1) could give no more.
Hayes said: "That was great and John's (McConnell) horses are flying. I was talking to John on the phone and he said the only way we would win it was by going a good gallop and jumping. That's what we did and he jumped well.
"With the favourite pulling up early, it fell into our hands a bit. He stayed on well, he got a good jump at the last and kept going to the line. It's nice to get it."
This was Roi De Dubai's first victory over fences to add to his three over hurdles.
The Stewards interviewed C.A. Landers, rider of 11/10 favourite Turnpike Trip regarding the fact that he pulled his mount up after the first fence. The Stewards noted that C.A. Landers reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount went wrong after jumping the first fence. Evidence was heard from the rider concerned who stated that he felt he was flat out and on his head going into the fence and maybe his mount was feeling the ground. He felt his mount was wrong after the second or third stride following the fence, he pulled up and found his mount was holding up his left fore leg. The Stewards also received a report from the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board Veterinary Officer that Turnpike Trip was post race normal and samples were taken for analysis. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the explanation offered.
Additional reporting by Donal Murphy
