Mount Welcome (left) and Declan Bates beating Carlowsantana© Photo Healy Racing
Mount Welcome was another to appreciate the quick ground at Clonmel when taking thetote.com Handicap Hurdle under a well-judged ride from Declan Bates.
The Philip Rothwell-trained gelding was supported on track from 11/2 into 7/2 before easing out to 9/2 market leader at the off, and travelled well to land in front over the second last.
Bates needed to get to work on the run-in to hold off the late challenge of Carlowsantana a 5/1 chance who was well-backed this morning from 8’s, by a length and a half.
The long-time leader Cerca Trova (16/1) could find no extra from before the last and finished another seven lengths adrift in third.
The successful Ross-Off Syndicate is made up of five members from counties Roscommon and Offaly, and Rothwell said, "They have been lucky before with the likes of Beneficial Spirit and Rosoff."
