Norman Lee © Photo Healy Racing
Few could begrudge 5/2 favourite Made In The Woods getting his turn in the Agritech Handicap Chase.
Runner-up on his previous four starts, the six-year-old was clear for most of the journey under Gary Noonan. Happy Dreams began to close on the run to two out and looked a big threat, but an error at that fence didn't help his cause and the winner, in receipt of 21lb, saw the trip out well to keep that rival at bay by two and a quarter lengths.
Winning trainer Norman Lee, for whom it was a tenth winner of his best ever season, said: "It was a great ride by Gary Noonan, a super super ride and he steadied him at the last couple when he needed to, rather than knock the horse. It was the plan to let him roll away and he is a grand horse at this grade. He is a lovely horse for soft ground and three miles.
"He might go back over hurdles now and is belonging to great owners who will enjoy today after his four seconds. There are more days in him but at his own grade."
Quotes from Tom Weekes
