The 9/4 favourite Slieveardagh recorded his second win over fences in the John F McGuire Novice Chase for his trainer Edward O'Grady with Barry Geraghty in the saddle.
The son of King's Theatre was a fortunate winner on his first start over fences at Tipperary in July. On his next start he finished a staying on fourth to Down In Neworleans at the Galway Festival.
On his last start at Killarney he ran well to finish two and a half lengths behind Eagle's Pass off level weights. Today he was five pounds better off with that fellow. St Devote attempted to make all but was joined by the winner approaching the straight. Slieveardagh then kick for home with Action Master (backed from 11/2 into 4/1) on his tail. A better jump by the winner at the last sealed the deal as he went on to score by three and a quarter lengths.
The 3/1 second favourite Gala Dancer looked a beaten horse when falling three out.
Winning trainer Edward O’Grady said afterwards: "Barry (Geraghty) said if the ground was any slower he would have been in trouble but he got away with it. He will go for a two and a half mile chase at Tipperary early next month."
Winning rider Barry Geraghty said afterwards: "He was very good, he had good form but there wasn't much between a few of them on form. He jumped brilliant and travelled great. The only concern was the ground but he just about got away with it."
Donal Murphy
