Sober powers home to grab Guinness Coldstonesober got up close home, under a powerful drive from Kevin Sexton, in a thrilling finish to the Guinness Handicap Chase at Ballybrit this evening. Dazzling Susie made a bold bid from the front in the 2m1f contest. The free-going mare opened up a healthy advantage early on but came back to the field over the last. She kicked again in the straight but couldn't hold the late charge of Coldstonesober, who ran on strongly in the closing stages having been held up for most of the race to score by a length-and-a-quarter. The Jimmy Finn-trained was following up a success over hurdles at Navan just last Saturday. “I thought he had a bit too much to do but they must have gone a bit too quick in front and he came home well,” said Finn. “Kevin said he was a bit sticky over the first few but warmed into it. As long as the weather is fine and he's enjoying it he'll keep going. He's got options over hurdles and fences.” Elegant Statesman was sent off the well-backed 13/8 favourite but trailed in last of the six finishers. (Additional reporting by Alan Magee)
