Rathgar Beau wins Clonmel Oil Chase

Rathgar Beau got off the mark for the season when collaring Cloudy Bays late on to take the Grade Two Clonmel Oil Chase at Clonmel this afternoon.

The sole British raider, Impek, in the Best Mate colours, was feeling the pressure as the field turned for home and could finish only fourth, despite being sent off 4-1 co-favourite of three.

The winner, another of the market leaders, travelled supremely well for jockey Shay Barry throughout the two-and-a-half-mile contest.

Risk Accessor and Cloudy Bays ensured a true pace and led until the end of the back straight, when the former weakened, and Cloudy Bays was in front jumping three from home.

However, taking two out he looked a sitting duck for the Eamon Sheehy-trained winner, who took the lead at the final fence to score by an eased-down half length, with Alcapone filling third spot.

Sheehy was delighted to see Rathgar Beau get a win on the scoresheet after some near misses, most notably when second to Moscow Flyer in the Champion Chase at Punchestown in April.

He said: “He’s in the John Durkan at Punchestown on December 5, which is over two and a half miles, and he’s also in the Hilly Way Chase over two miles the following weekend at Cork.

“I will decide between the two of those, but I would prefer to keep him to two and a half miles. He idled a bit when he got in front today, but he got into a nice rhythm and was due a win like that.”

Henrietta Knight declared herself to be “quite happy” with Impek’s run, but is unsure as to where he will head next.

“He ran a good race. He jumped well but could not handle the rain-softened ground,” she said.

“There are very few races for him, but he is entered in the King George.”