Anyone that saw Jamies Choice score in the point-to-point fields early in his career for Philip Fenton would hardly have predicted the low level at which he would be operating now, but first time blinkered with a feather-weight on his back, the son of Flemensfirth got the job done in the John McMahon Handicap Chase at Ballinrobe.
Making virtually all under Eoin McCarthy, the 16/1 shot put in some fine leaps but the game appeared up for him when headed at the last by Heartansoul (backed at 25s in the morning and ended up a 10/1 shot). However in an exciting conclusion, Jamies Choice battled back strongly to come out on top by a neck with a big gap back to Max Time Favourite Bonne Noel's disappointed back in sixth.
Successful trainer, Philip Rothwell is on a good run at present, Beneficial Spirit scoring at Sligo on Thursday and Games also winning under McCarthy at Downpatrick yesterday. Of course the stable that McCarthy is most closely associated with, that of Seamus Lynch, has recently relocated to the Curragh.
For one lucky Jackpot investor the name Jamies Choice will live long in the memory as they were the sole winner of a pool of 11,978.00 Euro, collecting a dividend of 8,983.40 Euro. (EM)
