Snugsborough Hall jumps to the front at last© Photo Healy Racing
The Liam Cusack trained Snugsborough Hall landed a gamble in the Punchestown For Events Handicap Hurdle.
Available at 25/1 with Paddy Power last night, that price was quickly snapped up, with the son of Beneficial going off at just 6s under David Mullins.
Having shown little on his previous efforts over flights, the successful six-year-old gelding was a well-beaten fourth on his most recent effort in a beginners chase at Clonmel.
Running in handicap company for just the second time this evening, he was settled towards rear by Mullins, making good ground on the outer after two out.
The Rising Sun Partnership owned gelding cruised through to lead at the last, and never came off the bridle, easing right down towards the line. Broder (16s last night, returned 9s) was half a length back in second under Davy Russell for John Joe Walsh, while the 11/2 favourite Triolet was another length and three parts away in third with Noel McParlan in the saddle for Colin McBratney. Midnight Surprise (33/1) completed the placings, staying on well to take fourth, another three lengths back with Rachael Blackmore aboard for Sean Treacy.
Liam Cusack said afterwards: "He's a brother of Snugsborough Benny who won in Tipperary.
"Ray Loughnane bred the two of them and we had to find an owner for one of them as he's a farrier and has two horses in training.
"I mentioned it to the boys that he was showing me a bit early on and in fairness they bought him and have been patient.
"He was a bit immature after running in point-to-points and was a bit wild in himself. He needed a bit of match practice more than anything and that was why the hood was on.
"He's a nice horse and really chasing is his game. He's a lovely horse.
"It's great for the lads, it's their first winner with me so I'm delighted. They have a few with me and are good owners.
"There are two lads from the north, Ivor McGrath and Sean Lavery, and Cathal Brophy lives near me at home and helps me in the yard while Michael Heary has been with me for years."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards requested a report from Liam P Cusack, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Snugsborough Hall, placed first, as compared with its recent form over hurdles. Liam P. Cusack reported that this animal was an excitable and immature type when he acquired him. His best run prior to today was on nice ground at Leopardstown and since then he ran very keen to the start and during his run at Naas on the 28th January on yielding to soft ground. On the advice of D.J. Mullins the animal was fitted with a hood at Gowran Park on the 11th March but was unable to handle the testing conditions. He felt that the application of the hood today, the good underfoot conditions and the fact that D.J. Mullins was able to drop his mount in behind the leaders contributed to the improved run. Having considered the evidence the Stewards noted the content of the report.
The Stewards enquired into an incident early in the straight involving Braize (FR), ridden by A. Ring, unplaced, Fire On ridden by D.J. McInerney, unplaced and Fraser (GER), ridden by D.E. Mullins, unplaced, where it appeared that Fraser (GER) ran short of room. Evidence was heard from the riders concerned. Having viewed the recording of the race and considered the evidence, the Stewards were of the opinion that the incident was caused by A. Ring riding carelessly and having taken his good previous record into consideration, cautioned him.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson
