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- Abu takes advantage of Glenwood's mishap
Donal Murphy
Abu takes advantage of Glenwood's mishap
Na Trachtalai Abu jumps the last under Donal McInerney with the loose Glenwood For Ever for company
© Photo Healy Racing
Na Trachtalai Abu was a fortunate winner of the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Handicap Chase, with Glenwood For Ever unseating two out when looking set for victory.
Glenwood For Ever raced into a clear lead from three out, but an error at the next led to him eventually parting company with Sean Flanagan.
The James Motherway trained victor, who was ridden in fourth from three out, had improved into second before the next where he was left in the lead.
He kept on well from there, going on to score by six and a half lengths under Donal McInerney for owners Robcour.
Recent Wexford winner Fergiethelegend (6/1) came through to take second under Cathal Landers for John Carr, while Burndown (10/1) was half a length back in third with Rachael Blackmore aboard for Henry de Bromhead.
The winner was returned at 11/2, with Glenwood For Ever the well-supported 4/1 market leader (from 11/2 on-course).
Motherway, who won the Irish National in 2010 with Bluesea Cracker, said afterwards: "I don't know when my last winner was! He did it well. I thought when he got sandwiched up a bit turning in, and Glenwood Forever got first run on us, that we were in trouble.
"I don't know if he had stood up whether we would have got to him or not. He does like something to chase though.
"I was afraid when Glenwood Forever fell that we were in front too soon as he does pull himself up a bit in front.
"Thankfully the loose horse helped us out a bit and in fairness to Donie he gave him a great ride and settled him lovely.
"He does run well fresh and won first time out last year in Kilbeggan. You're always a little bit afraid after a layoff coming back that you have them fit enough but thankfully he was."
STEWARDS REPORTS
The Stewards fined Peter Maher, trainer, E350 for lodging a passport in respect of Tom Horn in which the vaccinations did not conform with the provisions of Rule 91. The Stewards allowed the horse to run on receipt of the trainer's written assurance that the vaccinations were in order.
M.P. Walsh, rider of Artic Pearl (GB) trained by Martin Brassil, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount pulled up having found the ground too quick.
Additional reporting by Gary Carson