Thurles report: Zanahiyr shows his class to claim first win over fences
Added Bonus and Darragh O'Keeffe win the Racing Again February 22nd Handicap Steeplechase at Thurles Picture: Healy Racing
The Thurles meeting lost to the weather on Thursday of last week went ahead on Tuesday and Zanahiyr provided some early class to proceedings as he got off the mark over fences at the second time of asking by producing a game effort in the day’s opener, the Horse & Jockey Beginners’ Chase.
Although quite weak in the betting, he held on to favouritism, at 7-4, ahead of the well-backed Aspire Tower, and from the drop of the flag only those two counted. From two out, it looked as though Zanahiyr was going to get on top quite comfortably, but Aspire Tower picked up again and hit the front going to the last. A great battle ensued, and it was Jack Kennedy, riding for Gordon Elliott and owners Bective Stud, who got the greater tune from his mount to prevail by half a length.
