Joy for TC as The Premier Cat licks opposition

COURSE specialist The Premier Cat, trained locally by Tom Cahill, got the cream when battling like a lion to win the Gerry Chawke ’Chase at Clonmel yesterday.

Partnered by Barry Geraghty, with regular pilot, Shay Barry, suspended, The Premier Cat did it the hard way, from the front. Ollar Rose kept him company, until Geraghty started the long surge for the judge with a little under a circuit to cover. Michael Mor flashed up to head the leader approaching the home turn, but Geraghty had saved plenty and The Premier Cat was back in front at the penultimate obstacle.

Ross Moff, 6-4 from 2-1, travelled sweetly through the race and he ranged up as a big danger going at the final fence. But Ross Moff was quickly off the bridle, and about half a length down, when crashing here, leaving the winner, who would almost certainly have scored anyway, clear.