Rathgar Beau landed his third Grade 2 contest of the season at a busy Thurles today, winning the MacLochainn Road Markings Limited Kinloch Brae Chase under regular rider Shay Barry.
Previously a winner of nine races, Rathgar Beau was held up in touch by Barry before moving through to head Central House on landing after the final fence, staying on well for a seven length win.
Afterwards, a delighted Sheehy stated 'he had been back to himself recently and had been working very well. His blood count was down and he was dehydrated after his run at Leopardstown over Christmas so he had a valid excuse for his defeat.'
He added 'he'll go for the Red Mills Chase at Gowran next month before going to Cheltenham, probably for the Queen Mother Champion Chase.'
Rathgar Beau is a 50/1 shot for the Champion Chase with Cashmans Bookmakers.
Former Grand National winner Monty's Pass trailed in last of the seven runners in the race but remains on course for Aintree.
Part owner Mike Futter reported 'I am very pleased with the run and he'll run over hurdles again in four weeks time before goin g straight to Aintree.'
The Grade 3 Durkan New Homes Anaglog's Daughter EBF Mares Novice Chase saw both Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy fight out a thrilling finish from the home turn, with McCoy, on Adarma, eventually proving two lengths too strong for Walsh on Nolans Pride.
Adarma's trainer Christy Roche and owner JP McManus were absent but McManus' racing manager Frank Berry reported that 'we could find nothing wrong with her following her disappointing run at Gowran in December. However. today was the plan and she jumped and stayed on well.'
Ted Walsh and his family were out in force in the winner's enclosure following the win of his Never Compromise, ridden by daughter Katie, in the hunters' chase.
The winner made most of the running before scoring an impressive 11l success, with Cashmans Bookmakers reacting by cutting his price for the Cheltenham Foxhunters Chase to 5/1 (from 10/1).
The winning trainer couldn't hide his delight, stating 'this has given me as much of a kick as anything I've experienced in racing!'
However, he added that Never Compromise is due to be reunited with Derek O'Connor for the Foxhunters at Cheltenham.
The opening MFM Motors Cashel Handicap Hurdle went to Tom Taaffe's blinkered Native Heights. Barry Geraghty's mount was described by Taaffe as 'a very frustrating horse who has let us down every day he possibly could!'
He added 'I had a personal point to prove to the owners winning a race with him and he may go back chasing again now, although he is for sale.'
Mouse Morris' Billy Bush ran out the three and a half length winner of the INH Stallion Farms EBF Novice Hurdle under Conor O'Dwyer.
The son of Lord Americo tracked the leaders before striking the front at the final flight, battling well to hold American Jennie, with disappointing 8/11 favourite Bright Gas back in third.
According to Morris, Billy Bush 'was a little bit sick following his most recent run and prefers better ground. He'll go chasing next season.'
