Geraghty gets it right on Rathgar Beau

RATHGAR BEAU, back on his favourite track, totally outclassed his rivals to land the Holycross Novice ’Chase at Thurles yesterday. He survived a very scary moment at the final fence, however, when well clear.

A superb leap three out saw Barry Geraghty’s mount land in front and Rathgar Beau turned for home coasting in the lead. At the last it was only a matter of the winning distance, but he guessed at the obstacle and it took all of Geraghty’s considerable skill to maintain the partnership. “We were going to meet it long, but he put down at the last second,” reported a relieved Geraghty.

Said trainer, Eamonn Sheehy: “He was entitled to do that on his last two runs. There’s a winners of two at Naas on Sunday week and he will probably go there. The main aim is Aintree and a two mile novice ’chase, as long as the ground isn’t too fast.”