Debbie Hartnett and her partner, John O'Brien, have been making waves in the point-to-points for the last while courtesy of Tom The Traveller Mr Dominator, Ashburton Lad and Ballycracken and the former made it second time lucky under Rules when taking the Comeragh Beginners Chase under Richie Harding.
Co. Cork-based restricted licence holder, Hartnett was saddling just her fifth racecourse runner and despite being a three time point-to-point scorer, Tom The Traveller was allowed go off an 8/1 shot for this two and a half miler but Captain Conflict (the 4/9 favourite) still hadn't been asked for any sort of effort when breaking a leg on landing two out. Peplum then threw down the challenge but was a length and a quarter inferior at the line.
Hartnett, who received her restricted licence at the end of October, said: "He was in top order all week so we came here with our hopes high although he probably needs the ground a little bit softer. He got a cut when he fell at the second last here in a hunter chase back in February but he got over that. Aine Dillon did great work on him."
Ashburton Lad got Hartnett off the mark on the racecourse proper at Navan last month.
Richie Harding now has his claim reduced from 5Ibs down to 3Ibs on the occasion of his thirtieth winner. (EM)
