The Ratoath Opportunity Novice Handicap Chase provided the only talking point at a poorly attended Fairyhouse, with runaway 'winner' Late In the Day being disqualified for taking the wrong course.
The incident happened after the sixth last fence, which was omitted due to waterlogging on the take-off side. Paul Wade brought Late In The Day to the right and inside the running rail, instead of outside. The stewards had no alternative but to disqualify the seven-year-old gelding, and Kergaul, who was 20 lengths adrift, was the fortunate beneficiary.
Kergaul's rider Ross Geraghty was completing a double on the afternoon having earlier gained a hard-earned victory aboard Merulana in the Kilsallaghan Handicap Hurdle.
Robbie Osborne is considering a tilt at the Champion 4YO Hurdle in Punchestown next Thursday with Lafayette after his charge led in the straight under Shay Barry to beat the staying on Stacumny Bridge by half a length in the Clonee Maiden Hurdle.
'He needed that run and, providing he comes out of this race well, may go to Punchestown. He's a nice hurdle prospect,' said Osborne.
Pat Hughes is also looking forward to the Co. Kildare venue next week with Rule Supreme. The six-year-old gelding made hard work of justifying odds-on favouritism in the Dunboyne Novice Hurdle, holding off the persistent challenge of Four Aces by a length.
'He had to work for it, but is tough and stays really well. He will go for the three miles conditions hurdle on the Saturday at Punchestown,' said Hughes.
Enda Bolger supplied the first two in the betting for the Bullstown Hunters Chase, but it was Eoins Pride who landed the spoils rather than the odds-on Wap. Alan Fleming sent the seven-year-old to the front three out, and he stayed on gamely to beat West Of The Bann by one-and-a-half lengths, with Wap just a head back in third.
'He will be entered for the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown, but may wait instead for Wexford the following week,' said Bolger afterwards.
Alan Magee
