White Star Line in control under Bryan Cooper© Photo Healy Racing
White Star Line proved a poignant winner of the Wilderness Chase at Clonmel, scoring just over a month after the passing of his popular owner Patsy Byrne.
It was relatively straight forward for the 4/5 favourite, who settled in behind the leaders in the 2m4f contest before taking closer order rounding the home bend.
He hit the front turning in and gained a few lengths with a fine leap two out.
Make A Track blundered there as he gave chase and was again untidy at the last as Dessie Hughes’ charge flew the final fence.
Bryan Cooper kept the Kerry National winner going in the closing stages to record a convincing two-length success.
“He wants three miles and I didn’t want to get done for toe coming down the hill so I sent him on,” reported Cooper.
“He jumped great and he did the job well. I think there could be another big one in him. A staying chase over three miles plus would be right up his alley.
“He’s only starting to show the ability now that he has, especially after getting his head in front.
“Dessie mentioned earlier in the week that a race like the Beecher Chase could be a possible.”
(Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes)
