A delighted Shane Butler on He'llberemembered© Photo Healy Racing
He'llberemembered ran out a popular winner of the Grade A Leopardstown Handicap Chase for trainer Paul Fahey and rider Shane Butler.
Unfortunately Immediate Response who was still there with a chance took a fatal fall at the last as He'llremembered (12s into 10s on track) held on by half a length from Daring Article (10s into 8s) whilst another lively one in the market, Undertheboardwalk finished third.
Other fancied ones, King Vuvuzela and Talbot Road filled the fourth and fifth spots.
Fahey explained: "He's a great servant. When the clouds opened before the race I knew it was in our favour because when it gets tough this lad gets going.
"He's very, very tough. Shane couldn't believe how well he jumped around there. He jumped poorly in the Kerry National at Listowel and then we said we'd come back to the scene of the crime as he'd won the Carrickmines around here last year.
"We minded him – gave him a few runs over hurdles – and then he had a run in Tramore last time where he was outclassed.
"I told Shane to go down the inner, the brave route. If he got into trouble he could pull out.
"Shane is getting married to a niece of mine next summer so he'd want a few quid for the wedding.
"When you get a horse that's as tough as that you needn't be afraid to go anywhere with them."
Meanwhile Shane Butler disclosed: "It was great – fantastic. It all went to plan – going down the inner and taking my time.
"His jumping was amazing after we'd worried about it.
"Turning in I got caught for a little bit of room which helped me as I was nearly getting there too soon on him.
"I needed a very good jump at the last and he winged it for me.
"I'm getting married in June and that's something else to look forward to after this, the biggest win of my career."
The Stewards interviewed Gordon Elliott, trainer, in relation to the late withdrawal of Shrapnel from this race due to the change in going. Evidence was heard from the trainer concerned who stated that after seeing the running of the previous chase, he felt the ground would be too testing for his horse today. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards, while accepting the ground had changed from declaration time, they did not accept the lateness of the withdrawal. Therefore they were of the opinion that Gordon Elliott was in breach of Rule 194 (iv) and imposed a fine of €200.
Mr. Thomas Breen, Trainee Steward, also attended this enquiry.
(AM & EM)
