Eiri Na Casca and Sean Flanagan enjoyed the Tramore fences© Photo Healy Racing
As the youngest horse in the line-up at six, and starting off in handicaps with cheek-pieces deployed, the potential was there for Eiri Na Casca to manage better from a mark of just 74 in the Tramore Supporters Club Handicap Chase. The Spadoun gelding was clipped in from 33/1 to 25s and he got the job done in the hands of Sean Flanagan.
Eiri Na Casca may have put his rider, and indeed trainer, Denis Hogan, on the sidelines when unseating him in a Roscommon maiden hurdle recently.
However, with plenty of experience of jumping the bigger obstacles under his belt, including when placed third in a point-to-point, on debut, at the start of this year, Eiri Na Casca seemed to enjoy this assignment.
It was going to be him or Tomcoole Lad from a fair way out.
The winner jumped left at the last, his rival pecked, and two and a half lengths split them at the line. They left One Fine Morning thirteen lengths back in third.
"I spoke to Denis on the phone and he said he is a big auld raw horse with cheek-pieces on for the first time," revealed Flanagan.
"He said he probably won't really handle the track so give him a bit of room and tip away. I just ended up there really and it was grand."
P.T. Enright, rider of Massinis Adventure trained by Robert Tyner, reported to the Clerk of Scales that his mount made bad mistakes throughout and was pulled up thereafter.
The Stewards requested a report from Denis Gerard Hogan, trainer, as to the apparent improvement in form of Eiri Na Casca, placed first, as compared with its recent form.
Anne Grace, authorised representative for the trainer, reported her surprise at the win and felt that the first time application of cheek pieces and a step up in trip may, have brought about the improvement in form.
Having considered the evidence, the Stewards noted the content of the report.
(DM & EM)
