Thedevilscoachman awarded Grade Three prize at Naas
Dramatic finish sees Ramillies demoted from first place.
Thedevilscoachman was awarded victory in the stewards’ room following a dramatic conclusion to the Finlay Ford At Naas Novice Chase. Five runners went to post for the Grade Three contest, with the Willie Mullins-trained Ramillies the 13-8 favourite to follow up a successful fencing debut at Thurles last month. Amirite and Rachael Blackmore took the quintet along for much of the three-mile-one-furlong journey, with Ramillies always his nearest pursuer under Paul Townend. With Cheltenham winner Chemical Energy weakening disappointingly, it turned into a three-way fight, with Amirite and Ramillies joined by Thedevilscoachman and Bryan Cooper halfway up the home straight. The drama began after jumping the second fence from the finish, with Noel Meade’s Thedevilscoachman (100-30) seemingly having the door closed on him when going for a gap between the front pair. Cooper angled his mount wide of his rivals to mount his challenge on the run-in and was was clawing back Ramillies all the way to the line, but the latter held on by a neck. However, following a subsequent enquiry the stewards reversed the result. Prior to the placings being amended, Mullins’ assistant David Casey said: “There was a bit of race-riding at the back of the second-last and I think Paul just held his position. “He’s a grand horse and stays well. He seems to have put it together better over fences than he did over hurdles. “He’s in the National Hunt Chase and to me he looks like a horse for that, but the trainer will make the decision. “He did it well and Paul said he was happy all the way round.”Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Cox looking towards Haydock for Jasour before Royal Ascot
Early blockbuster clash with Vandeek could be on the cards.
-
Hollie Doyle partners Folgaria for French 1000 Guineas tilt
Her form received a significant boost at Newmarket when Elmalka, who finished third behind her in the Fred Darling at Newbury, won the 1000 Guineas.
-
Angel set for second chance at Classic glory in Ireland or France
Fallen Angel travelled well for a long way over the Rowley Mile, but flattened out in the latter stages.
-
Juddmonte hope Cadogan Place can replicate Arrest with Vase success
‘He’s a nice colt, he’s improving a lot and is a well-bred colt, so we’re looking forward to a good run’.
-
Joseph O’Brien believes Galileo Dame can answer Cheshire Oaks question
‘We think she is a nice filly who will be able to hold her own in Listed company going forward’.
-
Musidora mission could secure Oaks ticket for Siyola
Impressive Sandown winner set for test of Classic credentials at York.
-
Adrian Heskin calls time on his race-riding career
‘I’m very proud of my career and achieved far more than I could have imagined as a kid’.
-
Gregarina makes her mark in Athasi debut
Joseph O’Brien’s French import could be seen at Royal Ascot.