Prince Of Air and Simon Torrens pictured on their way to victory© Photo Healy Racing
Prince Of Air (10/1) completed a second double in the space of three days for Philip Rothwell, as he claimed the Keltech Supporting Tramore GAA Handicap Chase.
Successful over flights at the August Festival last year, the Gavin Kinch-owned bay was fourth on his first three outings over fences, finishing down the field when last seen at Thurles in February.
Prominent early before gaining a narrow lead from the fifth, the seven-year-old victor skipped a few lengths clear from two out and kept on well when in ridden on the run-in, coming home a length-and-a-quarter to the good.
Returned the 3/1 favourite (from 5s), Mahler Cove blundered two out when coming with his challenge and eventually had to settle for second under Mike O'Connor.
UK import Erigmoor (10/3) was far from fluent at the last and finished another length-and-a-half away in third, while The Declaimer made a bad mistake at the last when still in with every chance.
"I thought I had two good each-way chances coming down here, but it's great that both stuck their head in front," Rothwell, who was recording his 42nd winner of the season, enthused.
"He won on summer ground here last year and we were lucky the ground dried out today.
"He started in handicap chases off his hurdles mark, so he had been running well in them with the amount of experience he had. Then obviously with the bit of experience and on better ground today, it worked really well. He'll plug away for the summer.
"Gavin Kinch (owner) has had horses with me for about 20 years and they've all won a race."
Rothwell was earlier successful with Natural Breeze (15/2), while he also registered a brace at Ballinrobe on Friday, scoring with Cheerful Chap and Game And Glory.
STEWARDS REPORT
K.M. Donoghue, rider of The Declaimer, trained by Tom Dreaper, reported to the Clerk of the Scales that his mount made a bad mistake at the last.
