Benemeade hangs on in bumper
Always close to the pace, the 9/4 favourite edged ahead on the home turn and looked set to score convincingly before being repressed by The Job Is Right and Bally Longford, hanging on by three-quarters of a length and a head.
“He’s a horse I like,” said winning trainer Meade, forced to rule Monksland out of Cheltenham, “We ran into a good one in Fairyhouse and, after missing out in two bumpers, you always wonder about going again. He idled a bit in front, but likes good ground. We’ll give him a break before returning in the summer.”
Derek O’Connor, rider of the runner-up was subsequently banned for three days for using his whip above shoulder height.
The withdrawal of top-weight Barneys Honour gave the Bet With The Bookies Handicap Chase an open look and the race provided Clare Cannon, who trains in nearby Donaghadee, with her first training success when the Andrew Lynch-ridden Deputy Consort proved a fortunate winner.
The closing stages proved dramatic as leader Coolking crashed at the third last fence, to be followed at the next by Breffni Gael, when clear.
The successful trainer commented: “Andrew gave the horse a brilliant ride.
“I ran him in Tyrella, where he probably needed the run. It’s great to get off the mark under rules and we might bring this fellow to Wexford next week for a veterans’ chase.”
