Harpsy Cord (nearside) and Sole Witness locked together© Photo Healy Racing
Well backed favourite Harpsy Cord battled gamely to land the spoils in the opening beginners chase at Gowran Park.
Andrew Lynch sent his mount to the front before the fifth last in the 2m2f contest but he had to pull out all the stops down the straight. Sole Witness threw down a strong challenge from the third last and just edged ahead of his rival going to the penultimate fence.
The 11/8f (from 9/4 in morning) proved stronger from the final fence, however, staying on well on the run-in to post a length-and-a-half verdict over 25/1 shot Sole Witness.
66/1 outsider Swanfold stayed on nicely to finish third, three-parts-of-a-length back.
The winner had been placed on two previous chase starts, including when chasing home a decent sort in Soll at Down Royal last time.
"He had a wind op since last season," revealed trainer Jim Dreaper afterwards.
"The trip was tight enough for him as he wants three-miles ideally.
"He ran brutal on quick ground last year at Punchestown. Andrew said the ground was very tacky for him today but he handled it. He'll probably go handicapping now."
