Jacks Island (11/1) brought some cheer to trainer Philip Rothwell and stable conditional rider Declan Bates when finishing strongly to take the Racing At Clonmel on Holy Thursday Handicap Chase. Burnt Oil Babe (6/1) looked sure to score here when cruising to the front at the second last with her rivals all under strong driving.
However, not for the first time, she found little when in front and weakened on the run-in as Jacks Island swept past to record a three length success. Convincing (10/1) was just a neck back in third.
“This has probably been the worst year of my training career. The horses have been very sick but thankfully they are beginning to run well now. Declan gave him a great ride as he can be tricky, “ said Rothwell afterwards.
The stewards enquired into the apparent improvement in form of the winner, and Rothwell reported that the gelding was reluctant in cheek-pieces at Gowran Park last time. He was fitted with blinkers today, and Rothwell felt they rekindled his enthusiasm.
