What A Native boost for Swan

CHARLIE SWAN, considering having no runners at Christmas after a few of his inmates had performed below expectations of late, changed his mind when What A Native defied top weight in the Molony Cup Handicap Chase at Thurles yesterday.

Explained Swan: “My horses have been scoping clean, but then disappointing on the track. But what do you do? I was going to take this fellow out.”

David Casey, fresh from a spectacular treble at Fairyhouse on Saturday, was aboard and he looked in control of the contest for most of the three mile journey.