Mindsmadeup and Keith Donoghue © Photo Healy Racing
Mindsmadeup (16/1 into 11/1 before the off) made all the running to win the Barclay Communications Handicap Chase in the hands of Keith Donoghue.
The latter judged the pace very well in front and kept plenty for the home straight. The 10-year-old didn't help his rider by jumping left at several fences but his staying powers kept him in front as held the 11/4 favourite Weststreet and Envol Pierji (7/1) by one length and half a length.
It was a sixth career win in all, and a third over fences, for owner Sean Gillen's good servant.
Winning trainer Matt Smith said: "We are probably better off running him off a higher weight in a lesser race as he is well able to carry it.
"It was (a fine front-running effort) on the ground as well. I wouldn't say we were worried about the ground but we were a bit iffy about it. He performs well during the summer on better ground.
"Keith (Donoghue) went out with a plan to lead away and he jumped brilliant for him. I'm delighted for Keith as he's a good help to me.
"He won the (Galway) Blazers last year so he has some decent form.
"I'm not going to run him on deep, heavy ground.
"He jumped a little bit to his left so he probably would be better off going the other way."
Quotes from Michael Graham
