Luna Runner (second from left) races away from an early fence© Photo Healy Racing
After falling in the race last year, Luna Runner made amends twelve months on as she made virtually all to win the Best Value Around Beginners Chase under David Splaine (third winner of the week) for Colm Murphy.
The chestnut daughter of Definite Article had not been seen since that fall but she returned in style this evening keeping on well away from the last to win by four and three parts of a length.
The 13/8 favourite, Torn Asunder had to settle for second under Keith Donoghue for Gordon Elliott while Kilavalley was a further twelve lengths back in third at 13/2 under Roger Loughran for Dessie Hughes.
The Rose O’Driscoll owned victor was recording her third career success this evening, having won a bumper at Wexford and a maiden hurdle over the course and distance previously.
David Splaine said afterwards: "I’m delighted as that was my first ride for Colm and it’s my eighth winner of the season so far.
"She wasn’t great at the first but the further we went the better she was. She quickened well down the hill and they did a great job here with the ground.
It’s quite safe ground and she liked it."
Additional reporting by Michael Graham
