Value At Risk © Photo Healy Racing
Value At Risk justified his connections faith when claiming the Grade 2 Keelings Irish Strawberry Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
The Dan Skelton-trained gelding took up the running just after halfway in the two-and-a-half mile contest and repelled the late challenge of Marchese Marconi
Harry Skelton got a good tune from the 11/4 shot as he repelled that rival by a length-and-a-half.
“The owner has been very patient. I knew at the start of the season I had a top quality horse,” said Skelton.
“He might not be a Gold Cup horse, he might just be behind that grade, but he's very very good.
“The fall at Newbury just knocked him back so much and I really struggled to get him right all season.
“I got it wrong early in the season and this is a little bit of payback. I had no excuses coming here and I'm glad he was able to start to show what we think he's capable of.
“It's only in the last few weeks I've had him anywhere near ready to win. In fairness it was Mark (Huglin) who spotted this race and we decided to give it a try.
“I've been travelling with a few horses recently and I prefer coming here than taking on 20 runners in a handicap at Aintree.
“He's very tough and I thought Barry had him covered to be honest. In fairness he picked up.
“He'll go chasing next season — he's a chaser really.
“Harry has been riding brilliantly and the horses are in good form, doing everything they should.
“I'll have a look at Punchestown. We're not guaranteed to bring horses over then but Superb Story will definitely go for the Galway Hurdle and Long House Hall will go for the Galway Plate.”
