Angel delight after rollercoaster day
The duo’s Bostons Angel, as tough as nails at home, but who never caught the imagination, showed he was greatly underestimated with a powerful display to land the RSA Chase.
This was the massive boost that Irish chasing needed. For a number of years, we have not had the youngsters coming though, but filling three of the first four places here was a real statement of intent.
Bostons Angel had to dig down deep to deliver. Compatriot Jessies Dream landed in front two out and the winner had every reason to buckle.
But he wasn’t for turning. Power put the dramatics of the previous contest to one side and got down to ride the finish of his life.
Bostons Angel fought back and, in a stirring duel, was just the stronger, with Wayward Prince third and Magnanimity filling fourth for Ireland.
You couldn’t but admire Power, enjoying a first festival success. He had to be hurting over Oscars Well, but rose above all negative thoughts in admirable fashion.
Power said: “This lad never impresses, but just keeps doing enough and is really tough.
“It’s a relief more than anything, after the last race. I thought Oscars Well was my best chance of the week and we were terribly unlucky.
“I was gutted after that, but went and had a coke and a fag and Jessie told me to get over it. I thought Bostons was going nowhere at the top of the hill, but I set him alight and he galloped all the way to the line.
“He is a clever jumper and I am just over the moon. It’s great to have a Cheltenham winner. Winning the Grand National was great, but there was one thing missing from my CV.”
Harrington, best known as the trainer of the great Moscow Flyer, said: “He’s run a huge race, is tough and stays three miles. He surprised me at Leopardstown last time, when winning over two miles and five.
“You cannot hit the front too soon, Robert gave the horse a great ride. He’s not a very good-looking horse, but is great.”
Gordon Elliott, was more than pleased with Jessies Dream. Said Elliott: “He ran well, but just met a better horse on the day.
“He stayed on to the line and hasn’t been beaten far, so I can’t complain. There are plenty of Grade 1 races left at Fairyhouse and Punchestown and we will see how he is before looking at these.”
Timmy Murphy, who partnered Jessies Dream, was found guilty of using his whip with excessive frequency and without giving his horse time to respond. He was suspended for six days.
Willie Mullins’ two challengers both hit the deck. Mikael D’Haguenet went at the ditch on the far side, while Quel Esprit was holding every chance when departing three out.
