Henry De Bromhead, trainer of Queiros Bleu© Photo Healy Racing
The Henry De Bromhead trained Queiros Bleu made a successful return to chasing, as he took the feature race at Tramore this evening, the Pat Woodbyrne Memorial Handicap Chase.
Ridden by Andrew Lynch, the French-bred son of Ungaro was sent off at 6/1, on his first start over fences since April of 2010.
The bay nine-year-old had been running mostly over hurdles since, winning twice, while his last run was on the level at Leopardstown in June, finishing sixth of twelve behind Digenta.
Held up towards the rear, he made headway from halfway and went fifth at the third last. He improved to lead at the second last, and he was ridden out and stayed on well away from the final fence, scoring by two and three parts of a length. Count Salazar ran his usual consistent race, and he finished second at 7/1 under Jody McGarvey for Eoin Doyle, while Moncherie was third, four and three parts of a length back under Phillip Enright for Aidan Fogarty at 20/1. Sicilian Secret was sent off the 5/1 favourite for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh. He raced towards the rear throughout and disappointingly pulled up before the second last.
Henry De Bromhead said afterwards: "That was great. He has always had a problem with his jumping, we were kind of afraid to go back over fences as he got a horrendous fall a few years ago.
"We went back hurdling with him and he did very well over hurdles. It was all about giving him confidence and Andrew gave him a great ride today.
"He might to Killarney now for the valuable two and a half mile handicap chase. He has a bit of class, he was fifth in the Pertemps Hurdle at Cheltenham."
