Cooper times it just right on Raz De Maree

Raz De Maree gave trainer Dessie Hughes his first Ladbrokes Munster National when, delivered with a perfectly-timed challenge by Bryan Cooper, he mastered Quietly Fancied and joint favourite Questions Answered in Limerick yesterday.

The seven-year-old, winner of his ‘beginners’ in Wexford in July and having only his fifth outing over fences, forged clear on the run-in to triumph by six-and-a-half lengths.

A delighted Hughes stated: “He’s not big, but jumps like a natural. I always thought there was a big day in him. This sort of handicap, with a light weight, was ideal for him, We might head for the Troytown next.”